by our College Data Analytics TeamUnderstanding all of the expenses related to attending college can allow you to make the best decision at Lafayette College.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $12,282 in 2026, with the price of an average meal plan at $7,584. Altogether, an on-campus student at Lafayette College paid roughly $23,166 in 2026 for room, board, books and other living costs combined.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for Lafayette College.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $21,016 | $21,016 |
| — Housing | $12,282 | |
| — Meals | $7,584 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $1,150 | $1,150 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Total | $23,166 | $23,166 |
Room and board is a moving target: it tends to creep up every year you are enrolled. Projecting the trend helps you plan for all four years instead of only the first.
Over four years you could pay about $106,000 in housing, food and other expenses.
This is how on-campus room and board has tracked over the last few years, plus a forward projection, at Lafayette College.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $17,820 |
| Two Years Ago | $18,486 |
| One Year Ago | $19,790 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $21,016 |
| One Year From Now * | $22,272 |
| Two Years From Now * | $23,603 |
| Three Years From Now * | $25,015 |
| Four Years From Now * | $26,510 |
* estimated
Room and board changed an average of 6.0% per year. Based on current trends, incoming freshmen can expect to pay about $24,422 for their first year on campus.
Continuing the same trend, the final-year cost would be roughly $28,660 for a bachelor’s program; a two-year student would see about $25,753 in the final year of a two-year (associate) degree.
Across all four years, on-campus living costs would total approximately $106,000 for a bachelor’s, while two years would run about $50,175 for a two-year (associate) degree.
Expect modest annual increases in room and board, and factor that growth into your long-term budget.
Meal plans differ by school; some use a card balance while this school offers plans based on meals per week. The table below shows the maximum number of meals per week available. For details on living on campus, including capacity, see the table below.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 2,621 |
| Meals Per Week Included in Max Meal Plan | 20 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |