At $33,549/yr net price, Lehigh University graduates earn $105,584/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $71,584/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,549 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $134,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $105,584/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$71,584/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 89.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,960 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,440/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,398/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,495/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,179/yr |
| $110,001+ | $50,046/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $23,854 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,623 | $23,834 |
| Materials Engineering | Bachelor | $74,200 | $26,324 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,200 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $74,142 | $23,250 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $23,240 |
The Risk Factor
89.2% of students at Lehigh University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Lehigh University delivers strong financial returns despite its high price tag. Your median earnings after graduation exceed $105,000, making the substantial upfront investment worthwhile for most graduates.
Business programs at Lehigh lead earnings potential, with management graduates earning over $96,000 annually. Engineering fields also perform well, particularly electrical and mechanical engineering. Computer science graduates face a tougher value proposition, earning $78,000 with higher debt loads of nearly $24,000.
The school's biggest financial risk is its limited financial aid reach. Only 18% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to the full $33,500 annual net price. This makes Lehigh financially viable primarily for upper-middle-class families who can afford the cost without crushing debt loads.
Your debt burden stays manageable at under $22,000 for most graduates, well below national averages. The 89% graduation rate reduces the risk of paying college costs without earning a degree.
Lehigh works financially if you can afford the upfront costs and plan to study business or engineering. The school's strong alumni network in the Northeast, particularly around New York and Philadelphia, supports solid job placement in high-paying fields.
You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study lower-earning majors. The high cost makes fields like education or social work financially difficult to justify. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive given the school's selectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lehigh University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Lehigh graduates earn $105,584 ten years after graduation, which is above average for private universities. With a net price of $33,549 per year and typical debt of $21,960, the return on investment is solid but not exceptional.
Which Lehigh University programs offer the best ROI?
Business programs at Lehigh lead with $96,183 average earnings, followed by electrical engineering at $86,867. Computer science graduates earn $78,552, which is lower than expected for the field at a school of this caliber.
How much debt do Lehigh University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Lehigh graduates is $21,960, which is manageable given the school's strong earnings outcomes. Most graduates can expect to pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe based on starting salaries.
Does Lehigh University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
With a sticker price around $70,000, Lehigh's average net price of $33,549 shows meaningful financial aid for many students. However, middle-income families often struggle with costs that remain high even after aid.