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Lehigh University

Private

Bethlehem, PA

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Lehigh University is a private mid-sized school in Bethlehem, PA, enrolling about 5,898 undergraduates. It's selective, admitting about 26% of applicants. Among reported majors, Computer Science shows the strongest outcomes -- $141,691/year in median earnings four years after graduation. Most students arrange their own housing since on-campus living isn't required.

Admissions

Admit rate26%
SAT range1370–1500
ACT range31–34
Undergrads5,898
Yield (admits who enroll)27%
Next deadlineNov 1, 2026 (ED1)

Cost & outcomes

Cost of attendance$80,856
4-year grad rate89%
Median earnings, 10yr out$105,584

From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.

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How Lehigh University weighs your application

From Lehigh University's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?

Academic factors
Rigor of secondary school recordVery important
Class rankImportant
Academic GPAVery important
Standardized test scoresImportant
Application essayImportant
RecommendationsImportant
Nonacademic factors
InterviewConsidered
Extracurricular activitiesImportant
Talent/abilityImportant
Character/personal qualitiesImportant
First generationConsidered
Alumni relation (legacy)Considered
Geographical residenceConsidered
State residencyConsidered
Religious affiliationNot considered
Volunteer workImportant
Work experienceConsidered
Level of interest (demonstrated interest)Important
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Paying it back

Undergrads taking federal loans37%
Loan balance still growing, 3yrs out88%

"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.

Majors & earnings

Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biology, General$75,611/yr
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Finance and Financial Management Services$127,210/yr
Accounting and Related Services$125,874/yr
Business/Managerial Economics$113,630/yr
Business/Commerce, General$107,079/yr
Business Administration, Management and Operations$98,481/yr
Marketing$98,320/yr
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Journalism$81,935/yr
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Science$141,691/yr
Computer and Information Sciences, General$116,999/yr
Engineering
Industrial Engineering$121,498/yr
Computer Engineering$116,214/yr
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$108,503/yr
Biomedical/Medical Engineering$106,260/yr
Chemical Engineering$101,720/yr
Materials Engineering$97,904/yr
Mechanical Engineering$96,618/yr
Civil Engineering$91,856/yr
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature, General$71,474/yr
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General$91,697/yr
Physical Sciences
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences$72,978/yr
Psychology
Psychology, General$74,939/yr
Social Sciences
Political Science and Government$90,302/yr
International Relations and National Security Studies$79,569/yr

Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.

Campus life

On-campus housingYes
Required to live on campusNo
Dormitory capacity2,952
Typical room charge$9,350
Typical board charge$6,540

Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.

What matters in your application

GPARequired
Class rankNot considered
RecommendationsRequired

From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.

Frequently asked questions

What does Lehigh University look for in applicants?

Per Lehigh University's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates academic GPA, rigor of secondary school record as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.

What is Lehigh University's acceptance rate?

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA admits approximately 26% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.

What SAT score do I need for Lehigh University?

Admitted students at Lehigh University typically score between 1370–1500 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).

What ACT score do I need for Lehigh University?

Admitted students at Lehigh University typically score between 31–34 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).

How much does Lehigh University cost?

Lehigh University's total cost of attendance is reported at $80,856 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.

When is the application deadline for Lehigh University?

Lehigh University's earliest deadline is Nov 1, 2026 (ED1), per its own published admissions calendar.

Does Lehigh University require students to live on campus?

No -- Lehigh University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.

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