Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs Villanova University
- Lehigh Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 16
- Villanova Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Lehigh University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Villanova University achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,756 compared to Lehigh University's $36,931. 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 5% more than Villanova University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,931, roughly $6,825 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,960, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Villanova
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lehigh graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% of degrees); Villanova 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 Villanova University. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $100,423.
Pick Lehigh University over Villanova University. Net price $36,931 vs $43,756.
Pick Lehigh University over Villanova University. 1.9% mobility rate vs 1.3%.
Pick Villanova University over Lehigh University. 92% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh University and Villanova University are close on paper, but Lehigh University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Villanova University takes 27%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 to 1,460.
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 $6,825 a year below Villanova University's $43,756. Graduates of Lehigh University also borrow less: median debt of $21,960, against $25,874.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $27,300 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, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $100,423 at Villanova University. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
Villanova University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 89%. 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
Lehigh University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at Villanova University, it is 1.3%. Lehigh University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Lehigh 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Lehigh University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Lehigh University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Villanova University leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Lehigh competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,756 runs well above Lehigh University's $36,931.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,874, against $21,960 at Lehigh University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Villanova holds onto its admits more tightly: 28% of admitted students enroll, versus 27% at Lehigh — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Villanova (54.2% Early Decision admit rate vs 47.4%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Villanova, where only about 28% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
Rankings They Appear On
Lehigh University and Villanova University appear together in 10 rankings. On the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania, Lehigh University ranks #2 — Lehigh University outranks Villanova University by 1 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Lehigh's student body and 23% of Villanova's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Villanova).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lehigh University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while Villanova University concentrates in Social Sciences, Health Professions. 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 Villanova University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 27% at Villanova University.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or Villanova University?
Lehigh University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,931 after aid versus $43,756 at Villanova University.
Do Lehigh University or Villanova University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $100,423 at Villanova University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 89%.
Lehigh University vs Villanova University: which is better for social mobility?
Lehigh University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 1.3%.
Should you choose Lehigh University or Villanova University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Lehigh University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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