Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Lehigh University
- George Washington Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 12
- Lehigh Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lehigh University achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,931 compared to George Washington University's $36,586. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $345 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #95
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than George Washington University
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 26% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Lehigh in Business & Marketing (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Lehigh University over George Washington University. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $90,873.
Pick George Washington University over Lehigh University. Net price $36,586 vs $36,931.
Pick George Washington University over Lehigh University. THE World Rank #95 vs #301-350.
Pick George Washington University over Lehigh University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Lehigh University over George Washington University. 89% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Lehigh University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Lehigh University is the harder admit. It takes 26% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,440.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lehigh University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $345 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,380 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $90,873 at George Washington University. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Lehigh University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Lehigh University, it is 1.9%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, George Washington University sits higher, at #95 versus #301.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Washington University to keep costs and debt down; pick Lehigh University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. George Washington University saves about $345 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $14,711 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Lehigh University is harder to get into, with a 26% admit rate, but George Washington University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. George Washington University ranks higher globally (#95 vs #301-350), but Lehigh University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Health Professions, while Lehigh University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Lehigh University's 5,898.
No strong negative signals — Lehigh competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh holds onto its admits more tightly: 27% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
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 They Appear On
Lehigh University is featured on the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Lehigh leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Social Sciences, Health Professions, Psychology, while Lehigh University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Lehigh University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do George Washington University or Lehigh University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,873 at George Washington University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 85%.
George Washington University vs Lehigh University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Lehigh University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Lehigh University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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