Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Lehigh Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 15
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Lehigh University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $36,931 vs Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346, Lehigh University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Lehigh 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
Lehigh
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,931, roughly $4,415 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,960, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 26% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Lehigh University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lehigh graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over Lehigh University. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $105,584.
Pick Lehigh University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $36,931 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Lehigh University. 4.3% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh University and Stevens Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Lehigh University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Lehigh University is the harder admit. It takes 26% of applicants, while Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 to 1,446.
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, Lehigh University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,931, about $4,415 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Lehigh University also borrow less: median debt of $21,960, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $17,660 before any change in aid. Choosing Lehigh University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $105,584 at Lehigh University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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.
Moving people up
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Lehigh University, it is 1.9%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Lehigh University to keep costs and debt down; pick Stevens Institute of Technology 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. Lehigh University saves about $4,415 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $3,188 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 Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Lehigh University's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,960 at Lehigh University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Lehigh University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh holds onto its admits more tightly: 27% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Stevens Technology — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Lehigh offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stevens Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Rankings They Appear On
Lehigh University is featured on the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Lehigh's top program is Business Administration (23% of enrollment), while Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lehigh University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Lehigh University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Lehigh University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,931 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Lehigh University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $105,584 at Lehigh University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
Lehigh University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Lehigh University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Lehigh University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology 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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