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Lehigh University vs Washington and Lee University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

18
Lehigh Wins
11
Tied / N/A
17
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
5,898
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

26%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1440
SAT Average
1498
32
ACT Midpoint
34
1370-1500
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$64,980
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$64,980
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$36,931
Average Net Price
$23,781
$16,917
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$17,140
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$18,722
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$48,751
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
18%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
94%
94%
Retention Rate
97%
85%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$15,219
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
17%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

45%
Female
44%
60%
White
68%
11%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
5%
0.61
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$88,810
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$97,731
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$105,584
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$21,960
Median Debt
$19,500
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
90%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

187.40%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
5702.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
328.6%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$138,300
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
4.9%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
N/A
20.2
Teaching Score
N/A
18.1
Research Score
N/A
44.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit

26% accept 89% grad $105,584 earnings $36,931 net

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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