About Lehigh University
The sticker price hits $79,650, but most families pay far less after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,440 net price, while those from $75-110K income brackets pay around $30,179. That investment pays off with graduates earning a median $105,584 ten years out and typical monthly loan payments of only $233. The 89% graduation rate shows students actually finish what they start here.
Athletics matter at Lehigh, with 646 student-athletes competing in 21 Division I sports. The historic rivalry with Lafayette College defines campus life each fall. Just 25% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a national student body that stays connected long after graduation through strong alumni networks in business and engineering.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.2%
- Retention Rate
- 92.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $105,584
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,183 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $86,867 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $81,812 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $81,491 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,552 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,623 |
| Materials Engineering | Bachelor | $74,200 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,200 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $74,142 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $73,446 |
Campus Life
Winters here mean bundling up for snow and freezing temperatures, while falls showcase stunning foliage across the mountainside. The 52% male, 48% female split reflects the engineering school's influence, though business students balance the campus active. Weekends revolve around Patriot League athletics, especially football games against rival Lafayette College in the annual rivalry game. The Greek system dominates social life for many students. With 646 total athletes across 21 varsity sports, athletic culture runs deep. Students frequently venture into Philadelphia for internships and city life, while locally they explore Bethlehem's historic downtown and the converted SteelStacks arts district built from the area's industrial past.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,021 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 64°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 52.5%
- Women
- 47.5%
- White
- 58.8%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 10.9%
- Asian
- 10.8%
- In-State Students
- 24.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.8%
Location
- Address
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $105,584
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $101,331
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $67,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 88.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $233/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,960
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lehigh University?
Lehigh University accepts 37% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1340 and 1490 on the SAT, reflecting the university's reputation for attracting academically strong students to its engineering and business programs.
How much does Lehigh University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lehigh is $33,549, though this varies by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $15,440, while the sticker price of $62,180 makes Lehigh one of the more expensive private universities in Pennsylvania.
What is Lehigh University known for academically?
Lehigh built its reputation on strong engineering and business programs with excellent industry connections. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio allows for close mentorship, and the university has produced notable alumni like former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca and racing mogul Roger Penske.
What are the career outcomes at Lehigh University?
Graduates earn a median salary of $105,584 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong return on investment from Lehigh's programs. The 95.7% employment rate and relatively low median debt of $21,960 demonstrate the university's success in preparing students for lucrative careers.
Where is Lehigh University's campus located?
Lehigh sits on South Mountain in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, creating a distinctive hillside campus setting. With housing for 3,021 students and a 92.7% retention rate, the campus fosters the tight-knit community feel that Lehigh is known for among its 5,803 students.
Does Lehigh University have a strong athletic rivalry?
Lehigh's biggest rivalry is with Lafayette College in "The Rivalry," one of college football's oldest and most storied matchups dating back to 1884. The Mountain Hawks compete in NCAA Division I with 646 total athletes across 21 varsity sports in the Patriot League.
