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Colleges / PA / Bethlehem
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Lehigh University

Private nonprofit Bethlehem, PA · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$105,584
Earnings (10yr)
$36,931
Net Price
26%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.

After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.

On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.

Rankings

How Lehigh Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$106KNet Price$37KRetention94%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate18%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$17K$0-30K$17K$30-48K$19K$48-75K$49K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%328.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5702.7%MOBILITY187.40%

Cost & Financial Aid

$64,980
In-State Tuition
$64,980
Out-of-State
$36,931
Avg Net Price
$21,960
Median Debt
18%
Pell Grant Rate
37%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$16,917
Family Income $0–$30K
$17,140
Family Income $30K–$48K
$18,722
Family Income $48K–$75K
$48,751
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$88,810
6 Years After Entry
$97,731
8 Years
$105,584
10 Years
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
90%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$88,810 6yr $97,731 8yr $105,584 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

187.40%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5702.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
328.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$138,300
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.84
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

2.290%
Inventor Rate
216
Total Patents
290
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 26%
Retention Rate 94%
SAT Average 1440
ACT Midpoint 32
SAT Range 1370–1500
ACT Range 31–34
Full-Time Faculty 85%
Faculty Salary (mo) $15,219
Diversity Index 0.61
First-Gen Students 17%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 27%
Engineering 22%
Computer Science & IT 12%
Biology & Biomedical 8%
Social Sciences 5%
Psychology 5%
Health Professions 4%
Physical Sciences 2%