Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Lehigh Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 21
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,678 vs Lehigh University's $36,931, University of Maryland-College Park delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park'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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than University of Maryland-College Park
- More selective: Admits 26% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $21,253 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lehigh graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% of degrees); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Lehigh University. Net price $15,678 vs $36,931.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh University and University of Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of Maryland-College Park takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 to 1,473.
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, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $21,253 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $85,012 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park 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 $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park to keep costs and debt down; pick Lehigh University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Maryland-College Park saves about $21,253 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $22,724 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Lehigh University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,931 runs well above University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,960, against $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Lehigh University's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Lehigh University's 5,898.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh holds onto its admits more tightly: 27% of admitted students enroll, versus 22% at Maryland-College Park — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Lehigh offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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 Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
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 Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lehigh University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 University of Maryland-College Park?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Lehigh University or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Should you choose Lehigh University or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park 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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