Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lehigh Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 13
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 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, 53% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- 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
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $20,153 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lehigh graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (27% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Business & Marketing (13%). 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Lehigh University. Net price $16,778 vs $36,931.
Pick Lehigh University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 89% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but Lehigh University 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 to 1,362.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $20,153 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $80,612 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 53% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 53% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $20,153 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $36,564 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Biology & Biomedical. 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Lehigh University's 5,898.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Lehigh University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 27% of Lehigh's student body and 13% of Minnesota-Twin Cities's.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Lehigh University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 85%.
Should you choose Lehigh University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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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