Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Lehigh University logo

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA·Private nonprofit·5,803 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $94,100 within 10 years; strong 89% graduation rate.

29%
Accept
5,803
Students
$33,549
Net Price
89%
Grad Rate
$94,100
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Lehigh University is a private nonprofit institution located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with approximately 5,803 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 29% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $33,549 per year. The graduation rate is 89%, and the typical graduate earns $94,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Lehigh University (LU) is a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. The university was established in 1865 by businessman Asa Packer. Lehigh University's undergraduate programs have been coeducational since the 1971–72 academic year. As of 2022, the university had 5,911 undergraduate students and 1,781 graduate students. The university is classified as "Doctoral Universities R1: Very High Research Activity".

This is a strong option for students who want a selective, career-focused education with real financial payoff — median earnings of $94,100 a decade out are well above average, and graduates leave with a relatively modest $19,500 in debt. The 89% graduation rate and 93% freshman retention signal that students who get in tend to thrive and stick around. At a net price of $33,549/year, it's not cheap, but the earnings-to-debt ratio makes it one of the more financially defensible private universities you'll find at this selectivity level.

Founded
1865
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing27%
Engineering24%
Computer Science14%
Biological Sciences7%
Social Sciences5%
Psychology4%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Physical Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Lee IacoccaPaul GuilfoyleCJ McCollumRoger PenskeWilliam P. GottliebRobert SerberJohn-David F. BartoeTerry HartRichard Harding DavisAli Al-NaimiAlexander M. PatchPaul Corkum

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1432
Reading 75th %ile730
Math 75th %ile760

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite32

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$62,180
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,180
Avg Net Price
$33,549
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
89%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$94,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$67,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$94,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White59%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian11%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,803 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lehigh University

27 Memorial Drive West

Bethlehem, PA 18015

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.