Lehigh University Acceptance Rate 2026
Quick Answer
Lehigh University’s acceptance rate for the 2026 academic year stands at 25.93%, making it a highly selective institution. With a tuition of $64,980 annually, Lehigh is a significant investment, though the average net price after financial aid is $36,931. Graduates earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry, reflecting strong post-graduation earning potential.
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Learn More →Acceptance Snapshot
Lehigh University received a competitive applicant pool for the 2026 academic year, with an acceptance rate of 25.93%. This selective admissions rate reflects Lehigh’s standing as a top-tier research institution in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.
The university enrolls approximately 5,898 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. With an acceptance rate below 26%, prospective students should understand that admission to Lehigh is highly competitive and requires strong academic credentials, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling application essays.
This acceptance rate places Lehigh among the most selective universities in the United States, comparable to other prestigious research institutions. Applicants should prepare for a rigorous review process that evaluates academic achievement, standardized test scores, and personal qualities that align with Lehigh’s values.
SAT & ACT Scores
Note: Specific 25th-75th percentile SAT and ACT composite score data was not available in the current dataset. Prospective students should consult Lehigh University’s official admissions website or contact the Office of Admissions directly for the most current standardized test score requirements and middle 50% ranges for admitted students.
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Learn More →Tuition & Costs
Lehigh University charges a uniform tuition of $64,980 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students. As a private institution, Lehigh does not differentiate tuition by residency status.
The total cost of attendance includes tuition, room and board, and other expenses. While the published tuition is $64,980, the average net price after financial aid is significantly lower at $36,931, meaning the typical student pays less than 57% of the sticker price after accounting for grants and aid.
Students should also consider:
- Median student debt upon graduation: $21,960
- Financial aid availability: Lehigh meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students
- Payment plans: The university offers various financing options to help families manage costs
Financial Aid Overview
Lehigh University is committed to making education affordable through comprehensive financial aid packages. The average net price of $36,931 demonstrates that financial aid significantly reduces the published tuition cost for most students.
The median student debt of $21,960 upon graduation suggests that Lehigh’s financial aid packages, combined with work-study and other resources, help keep student borrowing at manageable levels compared to national averages.
Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact Lehigh’s Office of Financial Aid for information about:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based grants
- Institutional aid packages
- Loan and work-study options
Graduation Rates
Lehigh University maintains a strong completion rate of 88.55%, reflecting the university’s commitment to student success and retention. This rate significantly exceeds the national average for four-year institutions, indicating that Lehigh provides robust academic support, advising, and resources to help students complete their degrees on time.
The high graduation rate is a testament to Lehigh’s rigorous academics, engaged faculty, and supportive campus community. Students benefit from small class sizes, mentorship opportunities, and career development services that contribute to degree completion and post-graduation success.
Post-Graduation Earnings
Lehigh University graduates demonstrate strong earning potential in the decade following graduation. The median earnings for graduates ten years after entry are $105,584, reflecting the value of a Lehigh degree in the job market.
This earnings figure underscores the return on investment for Lehigh students, particularly when considered alongside the average net price of $36,931 and median debt of $21,960. Graduates across various disciplines leverage their Lehigh education to secure competitive positions in engineering, business, sciences, and other high-demand fields.
The strong post-graduation earnings reflect Lehigh’s reputation for rigorous academics, industry partnerships, and robust career services that connect students with internship and employment opportunities.
Popular Majors
Note: Specific data on the top 10 majors by degrees awarded was not available in the current dataset. Students interested in Lehigh’s academic programs should visit the university’s official website or contact the Office of Admissions for detailed information about degree offerings across the College of Arts and Sciences, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and College of Business.
Demographics
Note: Detailed enrollment breakdown by race/ethnicity and gender was not available in the current dataset. For comprehensive demographic information about Lehigh’s student body, prospective students should consult the university’s official institutional data or contact the Office of Institutional Research.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lehigh University’s acceptance rate for 2026?
Lehigh University’s acceptance rate for the 2026 academic year is 25.93%, making it a highly selective institution. This means that fewer than one in four applicants are admitted, so prospective students should ensure their applications are exceptionally strong.
How much does it cost to attend Lehigh University?
Lehigh’s tuition is $64,980 per year for all students, regardless of residency. However, the average net price after financial aid is $36,931, which represents what the typical student actually pays. This significant difference demonstrates the impact of institutional financial aid in making a Lehigh education more affordable.
What are typical SAT and ACT scores for admitted students?
Specific score ranges were not available in this dataset. Interested students should contact Lehigh’s Office of Admissions or visit their official website for current middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students. Lehigh considers standardized test scores as one component of a holistic admissions review.
How much debt do Lehigh graduates have?
The median student debt upon graduation is $21,960. This relatively modest debt level, combined with strong post-graduation earnings of $105,584 (median ten years after entry), suggests that Lehigh graduates can manage their debt effectively through their career earnings.
What is Lehigh’s graduation rate?
Lehigh University has a completion rate of 88.55%, which is significantly above the national average. This high graduation rate reflects the university’s strong academic support systems, engaged faculty, and commitment to student success.
How much do Lehigh graduates earn after graduation?
Ten years after entry, Lehigh graduates earn a median of $105,584. This strong earnings potential reflects the quality of education, career preparation, and industry connections that Lehigh provides to its students.
Does Lehigh offer financial aid to all admitted students?
Lehigh is committed to meeting demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The average net price of $36,931 (compared to the $64,980 tuition) shows that most students receive substantial financial aid. Prospective students should complete the FAFSA and contact Lehigh’s financial aid office for personalized information about aid eligibility.
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Learn More →Data Sources
The statistics and figures in this article are derived from data accessed as of April 11, 2026, from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
Readers are encouraged to verify current admission requirements, tuition costs, financial aid policies, and other institutional information directly with Lehigh University’s official website and admissions office, as these figures may change. For the most up-to-date acceptance rates, test score requirements, and other admissions criteria, prospective students should contact:
Lehigh University Office of Admissions Bethlehem, PA [Visit the official Lehigh University website for current contact information]