Lehigh University
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 46(↑1) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
School Characteristics: Private, non-Profit (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Joseph J. Helble (President)
Website: www.lehigh.edu/; Phone: 6107583000
Location: 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
Lehigh University Important Facts
Analysis of Key Metrics at Lehigh University
Lehigh University has demonstrated noteworthy trends in several crucial metrics over recent years, particularly in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention.
Tuition costs have steadily increased, with the total amount for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students rising from approximately $43,520 in 2014 to $62,180 in 2024. This significant escalation of nearly 43% over a decade is reflective of broader trends in higher education where institutions are grappling with funding challenges and rising operational costs. As tuition continues to climb, it raises concerns over accessibility and affordability for prospective students.
In terms of academic performance, the graduation rates reveal a mixed picture. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates saw fluctuations, peaking at about 80% in 2022 before settling at around 78.5% in 2023. This indicates a commendable recovery from lower rates observed in previous years, particularly in 2016 when the rate dipped to approximately 73%. Such improvements can be attributed to enhanced academic support and resources aimed at fostering student success, yet the ongoing variability suggests that there is still room for growth.
Retention rates have exhibited stability, hovering around 90% in the past few years. This high level of retention is indicative of student satisfaction and the effectiveness of support systems in place, which are vital for maintaining enrollment and ensuring that students continue through their academic journeys.
Overall, while Lehigh University faces challenges related to rising tuition costs, the institution has made strides in improving student outcomes through graduation and retention efforts. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it remains essential for universities to balance financial sustainability with their commitment to providing quality education and support to their students.
Lehigh University Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduation Data at Lehigh University in 2023
The graduation data from Lehigh University in 2023 reveals some intriguing trends in various academic fields, particularly in the areas of business and technology. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program produced a significant number of master's graduates, with 49 degrees conferred, including 4 international students. This indicates a strong interest and growth in advanced business education, aligning with global trends where businesses increasingly seek professionals with higher qualifications to navigate complex market dynamics.
In contrast, the Information Technology program saw 37 bachelor's degrees awarded, with 7 going to international students. This reflects the growing demand for IT professionals in an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and digital transformation across industries. The absence of master's or doctorate graduates in this field suggests a potential gap in higher-level educational offerings, which could be an area for future development.
Furthermore, the Business Analytics field, which is increasingly relevant in data-driven decision-making, produced 31 master's degrees, with 18 awarded to international students. This highlights the program's appeal to a diverse student body, suggesting that the university is successfully attracting talent from around the globe.
On the other hand, several disciplines, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, showed minimal to no graduation activity, indicating either a lack of enrollment or a need for program reevaluation. As higher education evolves, institutions must continuously adapt their offerings to meet student interests and market needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the job market. Overall, Lehigh University's data reflects broader trends in education, underscoring the importance of business and technology programs while highlighting potential areas for growth in other fields.
Lehigh University Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Lehigh University's Admission Trends and Rankings
Lehigh University has seen fluctuations in its rankings and admission rates over the years, reflecting broader trends in higher education. The latest ranking for 2025 places Lehigh at 46th in the U.S. News rankings, indicating a slight improvement from the previous year. This upward trend in ranking can be attributed to various factors, including academic reputation, faculty resources, and student outcomes. Examining the admission rates reveals a significant shift in the competitiveness of Lehigh's admissions process. For instance, the acceptance rate for male applicants has decreased from approximately 26.5% in 2009 to around 19.8% in 2019, highlighting an increasingly selective admission process. Interestingly, the acceptance rate for female applicants also follows a downward trajectory, from around 29.8% to approximately 25.5% in the same timeframe. In recent years, particularly in 2021 and 2022, the acceptance rates for both genders saw an increase, with male applicants having a rate of 46% and female applicants 53.9% in 2021. This spike may have been influenced by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led universities to adjust their admission strategies. The number of students enrolled has also varied, with a significant peak in 2022 when 1,519 students were admitted. However, the number of denied applications has remained consistently high, indicating that while more students are being accepted, the competition remains fierce. Overall, Lehigh's trajectory in ranking and admission rates reflects a dynamic and evolving landscape in higher education, where institutions continually adapt to attract top talent while maintaining academic standards.
Lehigh University Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Trends in Admissions Data at Lehigh University
The admissions data from Lehigh University over the years presents a notable decline in both the number of students submitting standardized test scores and their corresponding performance metrics. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of admitted students who submitted SAT scores decreased significantly from 96% to just 37%. This trend reflects a broader movement in higher education where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies, driven by the belief that standardized tests do not always accurately reflect a student's potential for success.
Additionally, the scores themselves have shown fluctuations, with the 25th percentile SAT reading scores starting at 580 in 2007 and rising to 660 by 2023. Meanwhile, the 75th percentile scores have also increased, indicating that while fewer students are submitting scores, those that do tend to perform at higher levels. This suggests that the competitive landscape for admissions remains rigorous, even with declining submission rates.
Moreover, these shifts could be influenced by various social and educational factors, such as increased emphasis on holistic admissions processes and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional testing schedules. As universities like Lehigh adapt to these changes, the focus on diverse evaluation criteria may lead to a more inclusive admissions process, attracting a broader range of applicants. Overall, these trends highlight the evolving nature of college admissions in response to changing societal perspectives on education and assessment.
Lehigh University Students Diversity
Analysis of Student Demographics at Lehigh University in 2023
Lehigh University presents a diverse student body in the year 2023, comprising various categories of students including undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate upperclassmen, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 1,511, with a gender distribution of approximately 53.2% male and 46.8% female. This relatively balanced gender ratio is indicative of a broader trend in higher education where institutions are increasingly attracting equal numbers of male and female students.
Undergraduate upperclassmen form the largest group with 4,048 students, maintaining a similar gender ratio of 54.3% male to 45.7% female. This consistency across the undergraduate population suggests that Lehigh University is successful in retaining its students across their academic journeys. The transfer student population is significantly smaller, with only 53 individuals, of whom a substantial 62.3% are male, suggesting a potential area for growth in attracting more female transfer students.
Graduate students total 1,770, again reflecting a male-dominated demographic at 54%. The gender ratios across all categories highlight the ongoing challenge of achieving gender parity in higher education, particularly in graduate programs.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the detailed breakdown is not fully available, but the representation of white students is a significant proportion across all categories. As universities strive to create more inclusive environments, it is essential for Lehigh University to enhance its outreach and support initiatives for underrepresented minorities and international students. Overall, the data showcases a vibrant community, yet also underscores the need for continuous efforts toward inclusivity and diversity in student recruitment and retention strategies.
Lehigh University Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Lehigh University
The age distribution of students at Lehigh University in 2023 reveals interesting trends that reflect the broader dynamics of higher education. The majority of the student population falls within the traditional college age range of 18-21 years, with a total of 2,684 students aged 18-19 and 2,410 students aged 20-21. This dominance of younger students is typical in American universities, where most undergraduates begin their studies right after high school.
Notably, there is a significant drop in enrollment among students aged 22 and older, indicating a potential shift towards more non-traditional students, particularly in the graduate programs. The data shows that while the number of graduate male students aged 25-29 is substantial at 353, there are only 13 undergraduate males in the same age group. This discrepancy suggests that older students are more likely to pursue graduate studies, perhaps due to a delay in entering higher education or a shift in career paths.
The presence of a small number of students over 40 years old, with only 52 graduate males and 77 graduate females, points to the challenges faced by older learners in an environment predominantly occupied by younger individuals. The university may benefit from programs tailored to support this demographic, offering flexible learning opportunities that recognize their unique needs.
Overall, Lehigh University’s age composition underscores the traditional model of higher education while hinting at evolving trends that could shape future enrollment strategies, particularly as the workforce continues to shift and lifelong learning becomes more prevalent.
Lehigh University International Students Trends
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Lehigh University
The data on international student enrollment at Lehigh University reveals notable trends over two decades, highlighting both growth and fluctuations in the proportions of international students among undergraduates and graduates. Since 2004, the number of undergraduate international students has risen significantly, from 145 to 453, representing an increase in the percentage from 3.10% to 8.05%. This gradual increase reflects a broader trend in higher education, where universities are actively seeking to diversify their student bodies and attract talent from around the globe.
In contrast, the graduate student population has shown a more pronounced increase in both numbers and percentage of international students. The proportion of international graduate students has grown from 20.70% in 2004 to 31.19% in 2023, indicating a robust demand for advanced degrees among international scholars. The peak was observed in 2016, with a substantial 35.88% of graduate students being international.
This trend is consistent with the ongoing globalization of education, where institutions are adapting to meet the needs of a diverse student population. However, fluctuations in the numbers, particularly a dip in international graduate student enrollment in recent years, may reflect global challenges such as the pandemic or changes in immigration policies.
In conclusion, while Lehigh University has successfully increased its international student representation over the years, continued efforts will be essential to maintain this growth and address any barriers that may impede enrollment. The evolving landscape of global education demands that universities remain flexible and responsive to the needs of international students.
Lehigh University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable universities surrounding Lehigh University:
Princeton University: Ranked 1st in the 2025 US News rankings, Princeton is an Ivy League institution renowned for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.
Swarthmore College: With a rank of 3, Swarthmore is a prestigious liberal arts college that offers a rigorous curriculum and a commitment to social responsibility.
Haverford College: Ranked 24th, Haverford is known for its strong academic programs and a close-knit community that fosters intellectual growth and personal development.
Bryn Mawr College: This women's liberal arts college is ranked 29th and is recognized for its challenging academics and commitment to women's education.
Lafayette College: Ranked 31st, Lafayette is known for its strong engineering and liberal arts programs, providing a well-rounded education in a vibrant campus setting.
Muhlenberg College: With a ranking of 71, Muhlenberg offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on experiential learning and community engagement.
Villanova University: Ranked 58th, Villanova is a Catholic university known for its commitment to academic excellence and community service.
These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and vibrant campus communities, making them excellent options for students in the region.
Campus Safety
Crime Trends at Lehigh University: A Declining Narrative
The crime statistics from Lehigh University reveal a noticeable downward trend in criminal activity over the past decade. In 2013, the average crime rate was 32.74 incidents per 1,000 students, which peaked at 43.57 incidents in 2015. However, by 2023, this number had drastically dropped to just 11.41 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a significant improvement in campus safety.
Particularly concerning types of crime, such as gun-related arrests and drug offenses, have seen fluctuations but, overall, a marked decline in recent years. For instance, the peak in 2015 coincides with a broader national conversation about campus safety and crime prevention. The subsequent decline in crime rates can be attributed to increased awareness, better campus security measures, and community engagement initiatives.
Interestingly, the year 2020, coinciding with the global pandemic, saw one of the lowest crime rates, suggesting that the reduced activity on campus may have contributed to this trend. This phenomenon has been observed at various educational institutions, where lockdowns and remote learning environments led to decreased opportunities for crime.
As institutions continue to prioritize student safety and well-being, the data from Lehigh University serves as a hopeful indicator of progress. Ongoing efforts to address and reduce crime on campus are essential in maintaining this downward trend, ensuring that students can focus on their education in a safe environment. For further information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Reference
- Lehigh University Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
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Lehigh University degrees/majors
Lehigh University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | $72,440 | |||
Chemical Engineering. | $82,435 | |||
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. | $82,435 | |||
Civil Engineering, General. | $73,545 | |||
Structural Engineering. | $73,545 | |||
Computer Engineering, General. | $82,209 | |||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | $79,119 | |||
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | - | |||
Materials Engineering. | $74,971 | |||
Mechanical Engineering. | $75,479-$98,551 | |||
Polymer/Plastics Engineering. | - | |||
Industrial Engineering. | $81,142 | |||
Engineering, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business/Commerce, General. | - | |||
Business Administration and Management, General. | $69,289-$117,962 | |||
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $69,289-$117,962 | |||
Project Management. | $69,289-$117,962 | |||
Accounting. | $77,026 | |||
Business/Managerial Economics. | $81,796 | |||
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. | - | |||
Finance, General. | $76,720 | |||
Management Science. | - | |||
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | - | |||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $55,236 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Information Technology. | $83,356 | |||
Computer Science. | $88,587 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $71,991 | |||
Educational/Instructional Technology. | - | |||
International and Comparative Education. | - | |||
Special Education and Teaching, General. | $60,267 | |||
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | $44,468 | |||
Elementary Education and Teaching. | $57,438 | |||
Secondary Education and Teaching. | $57,438 | |||
Education, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $45,695 | |||
Biochemistry. | - | |||
Molecular Biology. | - | |||
Neuroscience. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropology, General. | - | |||
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | - | |||
International Relations and Affairs. | $36,147 | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | $53,632 | |||
Sociology, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $40,942 | |||
Developmental and Child Psychology. | - | |||
Research and Experimental Psychology, Other. | - | |||
Applied Behavior Analysis. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | $74,734 | |||
International/Globalization Studies. | - | |||
Cognitive Science, General. | - | |||
Data Science, General. | - | |||
Business Analytics. | - | |||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Astrophysics. | - | |||
Chemistry, General. | - | |||
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other. | - | |||
Physics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | - | |||
Applied Mathematics, General. | - | |||
Financial Mathematics. | - | |||
Statistics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Design and Visual Communications, General. | - | |||
Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |||
Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | - | |||
Music, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pre-Dentistry Studies. | - | |||
Public Health Education and Promotion. | - | |||
Community Health and Preventive Medicine. | - | |||
Public Health, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering/Industrial Management. | $68,547 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Studies. | - | |||
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Journalism. | $45,256 | |||
Technical and Scientific Communication. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Architecture. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Japanese Language and Literature. | - | |||
German Language and Literature. | - | |||
Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
African Studies. | - | |||
Women's Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Analysis, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy. | - |
Lehigh University Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
World University Ranking
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
Lehigh University Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 141 | 149 |
Football | 93 | - |
Lacrosse | 49 | 30 |
Soccer | 32 | 30 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | 25 | 27 |
Baseball | 43 | - |
Wrestling | 43 | - |
Basketball | 17 | 14 |
Rowing | - | 29 |
Field Hockey | - | 25 |
Tennis | 12 | 8 |
Golf | 10 | 9 |
Softball | - | 17 |
Volleyball | - | 15 |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 153 | 167 |
Football | 93 | - |
Lacrosse | 53 | 29 |
Soccer | 35 | 29 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | 25 | 25 |
Wrestling | 41 | - |
Baseball | 38 | - |
Rowing | - | 35 |
Basketball | 16 | 14 |
Field Hockey | - | 24 |
Tennis | 11 | 13 |
Golf | 10 | 9 |
Softball | - | 19 |
Volleyball | - | 19 |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
All Track Combined | 128 | 147 |
Football | 93 | - |
Lacrosse | 50 | 29 |
Soccer | 31 | 29 |
Swimming and Diving | 24 | 27 |
Wrestling | 44 | - |
Rowing | - | 38 |
Baseball | 36 | - |
Basketball | 14 | 15 |
Field Hockey | - | 26 |
Tennis | 11 | 11 |
Softball | - | 17 |
Golf | 9 | 7 |
Volleyball | - | 16 |
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its strong engineering and business programs, as well as its vibrant campus culture. Established in 1865, Lehigh has a rich history that blends academic excellence with a commitment to fostering innovation and leadership among its students. The university's motto, "Homo Sum, Humani Nihil A Me Alienum Puto," reflects its dedication to the humanities and the belief in the importance of understanding human experiences. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Lehigh is particularly well-known for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to engage in collaborative learning across various fields.
The campus itself is an integral part of the Lehigh experience, featuring stunning architecture and state-of-the-art facilities that support both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The university boasts a strong network of support services and resources, including modern laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities. Lehigh's commitment to student life is evident through its extensive array of student organizations, athletics, and community service opportunities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and promoting personal growth. Moreover, the university's strategic location in the Lehigh Valley provides students with access to numerous internship and employment opportunities, enhancing their career prospects after graduation. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and community engagement, Lehigh University continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow.