Lehigh University campus
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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 Lehigh University’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Lehigh University admitted 25.9% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 13701500 on the SAT and 3134 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Lehigh University actually rewards, and 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

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from lehigh.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will 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 you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $80,856, but that is not 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.

Campus life

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

Lehigh University FAQ

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, and 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, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $36,931.
Is Lehigh University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $105,584 ten years after enrolling, and 89% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Lehigh University.

Spike answers from Lehigh University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.