Lehigh University is selective when it comes to admission with an acceptance rate that is below 50%. If you are concerned about this as a prospective student, you only need to meet Lehigh’s admission requirement to join the next freshman class.
Lehigh is a mid-sized private university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers rigorous career-oriented education on its mountainous tree-lined campus. Lehigh prepares students for career success by helping students connect and turn ideas into commercial projects through large-scale entrepreneurship and engineering programs.
The university has exceptional competition with neighbouring Lafayette College. These two schools are the most competitive of all college football, and students at Lehigh University celebrate the football games against Lafayette with everything from campfires to bed races.
As the sixth university in to become an NGO university in the world, Lehigh University maintains a special relationship with the United Nations.
About Lehigh University
Lehigh University was founded in 1865 by businessman Asa Packer. Lehigh University (LU) is a well-known university located in Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
The private research university is organized into five colleges, with the College of Arts and Sciences being the largest with 35% of the student body at Lehigh. Lehigh University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
The total enrolment at Lehigh University is over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Colleges at Lehigh University
Lits of the five colleges at Lehigh include:
- P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science,
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education, and the College of Health.
- College of Arts and Sciences(Largest College with 35% of all the students)
Alumni and faculty at Lehigh University include Nobel Peace Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, Fulbright Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences and members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, winners of the National Medal of Science, and recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Is Lehigh University a good school?
Lehigh University is a good school in general, but it all depends on what a good school means for you.
The school offers students a rich history, more than 100 majors and programs, and “opportunities to collaborate with other students in a variety of fields.” The lessons here are tough – “even the most talented students can stay on their toes” – but “blood ties formed through struggle and victory are an integral part”.
There are plenty of research opportunities, studying abroad is very popular, and a strong School of Engineering and Economics, and the school does an excellent job of ensuring that everyone has access to well-paid first-year internships and post-graduate jobs. The record has it that 95% of students who graduate from Lehigh get a job or start a graduate program within six months of graduation.
Professors at the school are “very smart people and fun to be with people”. They are very accessible and always give students attention when they are called upon.
The multidisciplinary programs offered by Lehigh, such as the IDEAS program, which combines art and engineering, are more than many other institutions offer.
Lehigh’s resources are plentiful; for example, some teachers are “willing to help students in their struggling subjects.”
In addition to world-class services, students are encouraged by others to participate in research,” which is just part of the amazing “return on investment” that many call the huge benefit of studying at Lehigh University.
Lehigh University Rankings
Below are the recent rankings of Lehigh University.
- #51 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report)
- #24 in Best Value Schools
- #45 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- #548 on QS World University Rankings
- #601-800 on world university rankings (Times Higher Education)
| Subject | QS by Subject Global Ranking |
| Engineering – Civil and Structural | 101-150 |
| Engineering – Mechanical | 401-450 |
| Material Sciences | 351-400 |
| Engineering – Chemical | 301-350 |
| Engineering and Technology | 451-500 |
Acceptance Rate at Lehigh University
- Applicants: 15,163
- Admitted: 5,607
For the class of 2026, Lehigh University received a total of 15,163 applications. The number of those admitted was 5,607 and 1,511 choose to matriculate at Lehigh University.
Based on the admission statistics revealed by Lehigh University, the acceptance at the university is 39.9%, which is quite selective.
Admission to the university requires an online application and a copy of the student’s high school transcript – you are also required to submit a recommendation letter, and reports from your high school which should include mid-year and final-year reports.
Both ACT and SAT scores will be accepted, and if scores from both tests are submitted, only the higher test score will be considered.
The school has an ideal size of approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students – this is large enough to provide world-class faculty and academic discipline, yet small enough to allow for close mentoring and hands-on research.
Thanks to creative problem-solving, a culture of collaboration, and a focus on human impact, Lehigh’s students are ready for future success.
Also Read: The New School Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, Tuition
What is the comparison of Lehigh University’s acceptance rate with other close universities?
The acceptance rate at Lehigh University is 77% lower than the national average for all colleges around it which is about 56.7%.
Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates
| School | Acceptance Rate |
| Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary | 75.2% |
| DeSales University | 78.8% |
| Muhlenberg College | 66.2% |
| Cedar Crest College | 60.9% |
| Lafayette College | 31.5% |
Admissions at Lehigh University
Admission to Lehigh University is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of 39.9%.
Besides the admit rate at Lehigh, the university uses a holistic entry process that takes into account factors other than your grade and test score.
A strong essay, Lehigh’s written application, and clear letters of recommendation can enhance your application as well as participate in meaningful leisure activities and a rigorous course plan. Please note that Lehigh University does not take expressions of interest into consideration in the admission process.
Lehigh Admission requirements
Lehigh University recommends but does not require the written portion of the SAT. Although SAT is not required, the subject scores will be used to consider placements if they are sent. Since the Lehigh University acceptance rate is low, we advise you to submit your SAT to improve your chances
What Really Matters When Applying
- High School GPA
- High School Rank
- High School Transcript
- College Prep Courses
- SAT/ACT
- Recommendations
SAT Scores you need to get in
Lehigh University will also consider applicants ’SAT scores when making admission decisions. Applicants should also understand that SAT scores are something they must consider when applying to colleges.
An average SAT score of 1365 is currently required to enter college. But in some cases, people with an SAT score of 1280 or less can also enter college. In particular, 70% of applicants sent their SAT points to the university for consideration.
| SAT Reading 25th | 620 |
| SAT Math 25th | 650 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1270 |
| SAT Reading 75th | 690 |
| SAT Math 75th | 760 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1450 |
| Average SAT Score | 1360 |
ACT Scores you need to get in
Applicants may also submit their ACT points for admission to Lehigh University. According to the latest information, applicants must have an ACT GPA of 31 to enter. In addition, most applicants admitted to Lehigh University have cumulative ACT scores between 29 and 33.
However, the total ACT score for admission to an educational institution must be at least 29. In addition, ACT scores must be submitted for admission.
The latest data show that 30% of applicants submitted their ACT points to enter college.
| ACT English 25th | 29 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 29 |
| ACT Math 75th | 32 |
| ACT English 75th | 34 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 33 |
| Average ACT Score | 31 |
Estimated GPA requirements and average GPA
In terms of Grade Point Average (GPA) entry requirements, Lehigh University requires applicants to have a strong academic record / GPA because admission to the university is highly competitive. Students must also present above-average high school grades and a GPA.
It is important to note that the average GPA for applicants entering LU is 3.90. Applicants must, among other things, have a good understanding of the admission requirements, including the documents required and what information will be taken into account when making admission decisions at Lehigh University.
The documents submitted by the applicants are high school records and test scores (SAT/ACT).
Since Lehigh University’s acceptance rate is low, applicants are encouraged to submit additional documents, such as high school GPA and any completed college preparatory program.
Admission Deadlines
| Application Timeline | Deadline |
| Early Decision I | November 1 |
| Early Decision II | January 1 |
| Regular Decision | January 1 |
How to get to Lehigh University
Lehigh accepts Common Application and Coalition Application. Follow the procedures on the website of the platform you want to apply from.
After your application has been submitted, an email will be sent to the email address you provided in your application within a week as confirmation.
- Check Application Requirements and Application Deadlines.
- Upload attached or missing documents with LU FileSender.
- If you have any questions or concerns, email Admissions@lehigh.edu or call (610) 758-3100.
After you have submitted your application, a confirmation email should be sent to your email(the one you submitted during your application).
If more than 7 business days have passed since you submitted your application and you have not received a confirmation email, please contact the office at admissions@lehigh.edu or call (610) 758-3100. Enter your full name, address and date of birth on the application form.
Important Application tips
You have seen that the Lehigh University acceptance rate is selective. We believe that the application tips below will he;p start a better chance.
- Start early, so you have plenty of time to go through the college selection and application process.
- Think of everything you want the school to know about you, then make sure every one of them appears in your application.
- Authenticity is key if you want to submit a unique application. Focus less on adapting and more on sharing who you are.
- Check the accuracy and completeness of the application and make sure all the necessary goods are shipped.
- Remember deadlines, and consider applying days or even weeks before the deadline.
Lehigh University tuition and attendance fees
Below is the estimated cost of attendance at Lehigh University.
| Tuition, 2023-2024 | $61,180 |
| Technology Fee | $530 |
| Student Activity Fee | $260 |
| Wellness Fee | $210 |
| University Housing | |
| Category I (Dravo, Drinker, Centennial I & II, McClinticMarshall, Richards, Taylor) | $9,680 |
| Category II (All Greek Houses, Houses 87, 88, 90, 93, UMOJA, Warren Square) | $10,370 |
| Category III (Brodhead House, Singleton, Hitch, Maida) | $10,770 |
| Category IV (Farrington Square, Sayre Park Village, Trembley Park) | $11,260 |
Most Popular Majors at Lehigh University
Lehigh University Acceptance Rate in general has been discussed. Below are some of the most popular majors at the school. Bear in mind that these majors may have different acceptance rates.
| Finance | |
| 221 Graduates | |
| Computer Science | |
| 108 Graduates | |
| Mechanical Engineering | |
| 101 Graduates | |
| Industrial Engineering | |
| 80 Graduates | |
| Marketing | |
| 78 Graduates | |
| Accounting | |
| 77 Graduates | |
| Managerial Economics | |
| 67 Graduates | |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering | |
| 56 Graduates | |
| Psychology | |
| 54 Graduates | |
| Information Technology | |
| 52 Graduates |
Lehigh Acceptance Rate for International Students and Admissions
Lehigh University does not have a separate acceptance rate for international students, it’s all the same for everyone.
The Lehigh College of Education welcomes applicants from all over the world.
The school is committed to providing comprehensive support for international students studying at Lehigh University.
Lehigh University’s Office of International Affairs provides a full range of services to international students to help them get familiar with campus life.
The support available for international students at Lehigh includes:
- Immigration services
- Orientation and counselling
- Cultural programs, and
- English as a Second Language training.
The Lehigh Office of Graduate Education and Life provides valuable resources and support. As a leading research university, graduate students are an important part of our Lehigh research community.
Nearly two-thirds of Lehigh University’s graduate students are not from the US
Check out the International University Admissions Handbook here!
Contact Lehigh
- Lehigh University, 27 Memorial Drive West Bethlehem, PA 18015 USA
- Phone: (610) 758-3000
- Office of Admissions
- Phone: (610) 758-3100
- Fax: (610) 758-4361
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References:
- U.S. News & World Report: Lehigh University
- TopUniversities: Lehigh University
- Times Higher Education: Lehigh University
- Lehigh: Admission Statistics
Disclaimer: Stay Informed Group Team has researched and provided the information above from reliable sources. The university can update or change any of the information we have provided without informing us. We advise you to visit the official university website via the link provided to access updated information.
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