Lafayette vs Boston

How's it going, folks? I've been looking at both Lafayette and Boston for college applications. Too stressed to decide between the two. Any advice about the academic quality, campus life, or any relative pros and cons? Any input would be supremely helpful!

In terms of academics, both Lafayette College and Boston College have solid reputations but they belong to different categories. Lafayette is a liberal arts college known for its student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. This promises a more personalized learning experience and students can expect to have closer relationships with their professors. On the other hand, Boston College is a research university. You're exposed to a more diverse range of course offerings and have an opportunity to participate in research as an undergraduate. Its most popular majors include Economics, Finance, and Psychology.

As for campus life, it largely depends on your personal preferences. Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, a small town that offers a more laid-back, community-focused environment. The campus size currently accommodates around 2,700 students, which can provide a tight-knit, homey college experience. On the contrary, Boston College, located in the suburb of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, gives you the best of both worlds – residential campus life in proximity to the urban scene of Boston City. With about around 15,000 students, it invites a more cosmopolitan and dynamic campus culture.

In terms of opportunities, Boston College's location in a major metropolitan area clearly provides a wealth of job and internship opportunities which are beneficial for students' career prospects. Lafayette might offer fewer opportunities in this respect, however, its alumni network is strong and can be very supportive.

Lastly, there's also a difference in terms of financial investment. Boston College's overall cost is much higher than Lafayette's (the exact numbers might change from year to year, but Boston College has been consistently pricier). It's essential to check out the net price calculators on each school's website to see what kind of financial aid package you can expect, which can significantly affect the cost of attendance.

Of course, it's always a good idea to visit both campuses if you can, or even virtually. You may likely find that it's the atmosphere, community, and vibe of a school that can often be the deciding factor. Good luck with your decision!