how are they similar and different? does one hold a better ‘name’?
going to school in Los Angeles v. going to school in Easton, Pennsylvania are very different experiences. Forget about ‘name’ or prestige and try to figure out where you will be happy and productive. Names matter much less than people think.
Similarities:
- Both are small liberal arts colleges (LACs)
- Both are well regarded. Overall, no significant difference nationally in "name".
- Both have Greek systems (many LACs don't).
Differences:
- Oxy is in Los Angeles, California, one of the country's largest and most important cities,
- Lafayette is in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, which includes multiple smaller cities (Allentown, Bethehem, Easton). The Lehigh Valley has a large population, but is not really a major city. However, it is not far from the major cities of Philadelphia or New York.
- Obvious differences in local culture and climate between the Northeastern US and southern California. In the Northeast, Lafayette has more name recognition and a bigger alumni network. In California, Oxy has these advantages.
- Most Oxy students are probably from California or other western states. Applicants from other parts of the country would likely have a geographic advantage in admissions.
- Most Lafayette students are probably from PA/NJ/NY or other northeastern states. Applicants from other parts of the country would likely have a geographic advantage in admissions.
- Lafayette is relatively large by LAC standards, and significantly larger than Oxy.
- Lafayette offers degrees in engineering, which is unusual for a LAC.
- Most LACs, including Oxy, play sports at the Division III level (non-scholarship). However, Lafayette is Division I and does offer athletic scholarships.