Lehigh University campus
Lehigh University logo

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private · 5,898 students

A vibrant campus community fosters belonging and meaningful experiences.

Acceptance rate

25.9%

SAT (mid 50%)

1370–1500

Avg net price

$36,931

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Lehigh University admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Lehigh University admitted 25.9% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1370–1500 on the SAT and 31–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Lehigh University actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Innovation, Research, and Real Impact

Our academic approach fosters a culture of innovation, promotes intellectual risk-taking and embraces integrative strategies that drive transformative research, essential discovery and real impact.

Students are encouraged to create a personalized curriculum by taking courses across colleges and fields of study.

  • College of Arts & SciencesHumanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
  • College of BusinessFinance, Marketing, Management
  • College of HealthPublic Health, Biostatistics

Verified from lehigh.edu and lehigh.edu and lehigh.edu and lehigh.edu and lehigh.edu and lehigh.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from lehigh.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

  • How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?

    Up to 200 words

  • What's something great happening in your life right now?

    Up to 200 words

  • For applicants to the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Health, or College of Engineering and Applied Science, how will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?

    Up to 200 words

  • How will the 5-year dual degree Arts-Engineering program, which requires a major in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering, allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?

    Up to 200 words

  • What makes the Computer Science and Business (CSB) program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?

    Up to 150 words

  • What makes the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?

    Up to 150 words

  • What makes the Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?

    Up to 150 words

  • What makes the Integrated Business & Health (IBH) Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from lehigh.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $80,856. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $36,931.

Lehigh is committed to need-based financial aid, making education accessible, and offers a full tuition grant for undergraduate students from families with incomes under $75,000 through the Lehigh Commitment.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $105,584.

Verified from lehigh.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Finance and Financial Management Services14% of degrees
  • Computer Science10% of degrees
  • Mechanical Engineering5% of degrees
  • Psychology, General4% of degrees
  • Marketing4% of degrees
  • Biology, General4% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“A Tuesday here might mean collaborating on a research project, then heading to a club meeting or a sports practice.”

With over 200 clubs, including 41 sports and 22 Greek organizations, students find diverse extracurricular opportunities.

Community-focusedSuburban

Quick answers

What do people ask about Lehigh University?

Is Lehigh University test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Lehigh University is optional.
How hard is it to get into Lehigh University?
Very hard. Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1370 to 1500 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Lehigh University cost?
The list price is about $80,856. After aid, families pay $36,931 on average.
Is Lehigh University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $105,584 ten years after enrolling. 89% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

Launching soon

Ask Spike anything about Lehigh University.

Spike answers from Lehigh University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.