Lehigh University Acceptance Rate 2025: 25.9% Admissions

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Lehigh University Acceptance Rate 2025

Quick Answer

Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of approximately 25.9% for the 2025 admissions cycle, making it a highly selective institution. With a total cost of attendance of $64,980 annually for all students (tuition is the same regardless of state residency), Lehigh offers a rigorous engineering and liberal arts education. Graduates earn a median of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across disciplines.

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Acceptance Snapshot

Lehigh University maintains a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 25.9% as of April 2026. This selective rate reflects the university’s position as a premier private institution combining engineering excellence with a strong liberal arts foundation.

The university enrolls approximately 5,898 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. With such a selective acceptance rate, admitted students typically represent the top tier of applicants in academic achievement, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.

Year-over-year trends in selective institutions like Lehigh generally show stable or slightly declining acceptance rates as application volumes increase nationally. Prospective students should understand that acceptance becomes more competitive each cycle, particularly for engineering programs, which are among the most sought-after at the university.

SAT & ACT Scores

While specific 25th and 75th percentile SAT and ACT composite score ranges were not included in the current data snapshot, admitted students to Lehigh typically score in the highly competitive range. Prospective applicants should consult Lehigh’s official admissions website for current middle 50% test score ranges, as these figures are updated annually and vary slightly by program.

For context, highly selective universities with similar acceptance rates typically report SAT middle 50% ranges between 1480–1560 and ACT composite ranges between 33–35.

Tuition & Costs

Lehigh University charges $64,980 annually in tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, as tuition is uniform across all domestic applicants. This figure does not include room and board, books, and other expenses, which should be factored into total cost of attendance planning.

The average net price for students attending Lehigh is $36,931 per year, meaning that after accounting for grants and aid, the typical student pays significantly less than the sticker price. This demonstrates Lehigh’s commitment to making education accessible through financial aid packages.

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Financial Aid Overview

Lehigh University commits substantial resources to financial aid, with the average net price of $36,931 annually representing approximately 57% of the published tuition rate. This gap illustrates the impact of institutional grants and federal aid in reducing out-of-pocket costs for families.

Students should note that net price varies significantly by family income level. Families earning higher incomes may have different aid packages than those with lower incomes, and individual circumstances significantly affect aid eligibility. Prospective students are encouraged to use Lehigh’s net price calculator on the official admissions website to estimate their personalized financial aid package.

The median student debt upon graduation is $21,960, which is below the national average for four-year institutions, suggesting that many students graduate with manageable loan obligations.

Graduation Rates

Lehigh University reports a completion rate of 88.55% (as of April 2026), indicating strong student success and retention. This rate reflects the university’s supportive academic environment and the engagement of its student body.

For context, the national average completion rate for four-year institutions hovers around 65%, placing Lehigh well above the national baseline. This high completion rate suggests that admitted students are well-matched to the institution’s academic rigor and that the university effectively supports student success from enrollment through degree completion.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Lehigh University graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $105,584 ten years after initial enrollment. This figure encompasses all degree holders across the university’s engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.

This earnings level reflects the value of a Lehigh degree in the job market and the success of graduates across diverse career paths. Engineering graduates, in particular, tend to command higher salaries, while liberal arts graduates pursue varied professional trajectories in business, education, public service, and other fields.

Lehigh University offers degree programs across three colleges: the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Business. While specific enrollment figures by major were not available in the current data snapshot, the university is particularly renowned for engineering disciplines, including chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.

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Demographics

Lehigh University serves a diverse student body of approximately 5,898 students. The institution continues to work toward increasing representation across racial and ethnic groups and maintains gender balance in enrollment. Prospective students interested in specific demographic breakdowns should consult Lehigh’s institutional research office or official enrollment statistics for the most current figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lehigh University’s acceptance rate for 2025?

Lehigh University’s acceptance rate for the 2025 admissions cycle is approximately 25.9%, making it a highly selective institution. This means that fewer than one in four applicants gain admission, reflecting the university’s rigorous standards for academic achievement and overall student qualifications.

How much does it cost to attend Lehigh University?

The annual tuition at Lehigh University is $64,980 for all students, regardless of state residency. However, the average net price after financial aid is $36,931 per year, which represents what the typical student actually pays. Total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other expenses, will be higher and varies by individual circumstances.

What are the typical test scores for admitted students?

While specific score ranges were not provided in the current data, admitted students to Lehigh typically score in the highly competitive range. Prospective applicants should visit Lehigh’s official admissions website for current middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges, as these figures are updated annually and may vary by program.

What is the graduation rate at Lehigh University?

Lehigh University reports an 88.55% completion rate, which is significantly above the national average of approximately 65% for four-year institutions. This high rate reflects strong student engagement and institutional support for academic success.

How much do Lehigh graduates earn after graduation?

Lehigh University graduates earn a median of $105,584 ten years after initial enrollment. This figure reflects outcomes across all degree programs and demonstrates the strong return on investment for a Lehigh degree.

Is financial aid available at Lehigh University?

Yes, Lehigh University provides substantial financial aid to admitted students. The average net price of $36,931 annually (compared to tuition of $64,980) demonstrates significant institutional commitment to making education affordable. Aid packages vary based on family income and individual circumstances, and prospective students should use the university’s net price calculator for personalized estimates.

What is the median student debt at Lehigh University?

The median student debt for Lehigh graduates is $21,960, which is below the national average. This suggests that many students graduate with manageable loan obligations and that the university’s financial aid effectively reduces reliance on borrowing.


Data Sources

The statistics and figures in this article are drawn from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard database, with data current as of April 11, 2026. Acceptance rates, tuition figures, financial aid data, graduation rates, and earnings figures reflect the most recently available institutional data.

Readers are encouraged to verify current figures directly with Lehigh University’s admissions and financial aid offices, as data is updated annually and individual circumstances may affect specific metrics. For the most current information on test score ranges, application requirements, and program-specific details, visit Lehigh University’s official website at lehigh.edu.