Lehigh University: A Detailed Look at Student Demographics, Admissions, and Costs
Lehigh University, founded in 1865 by Asa Packer, stands as a premier research university committed to providing a rigorous academic environment for over 7,000 students. Known for its "friendly community-oriented atmosphere on a hilly campus that is beyond beautiful," according to The Princeton Review, Lehigh is situated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the vibrant Lehigh Valley, conveniently close to New York City and Philadelphia. The university prides itself on its commitment to need-based financial aid, striving to make its world-renowned education accessible to all admitted students. Lehigh fosters a culture of discovery and innovation, believing that graduates who carry a spirit of inquiry into the world contribute significantly to society.
Admissions Overview
Acceptance Rate
In 2023, Lehigh University's undergraduate acceptance rate was 29.3%, with 5,389 students being admitted out of 18,415 applications. This figure is lower than the 37% acceptance rate in 2022. While the number of applicants grew by 21.4% between 2022 and 2023, admissions declined by 3.89%. Lehigh University has an overall enrollment yield of 28.4%, which represents the number of admitted students who ended up enrolling.
SAT Scores
In 2023, 33% of first-time enrollees submitted SAT scores with their applications.
Enrollment Statistics
Total Enrollment
In 2023, Lehigh University had a total enrollment of 7,590 students, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate programs. Full-time enrollment stood at 6,785 students, while part-time enrollment was 805, indicating that 89.4% of students are enrolled full-time.
Race and Ethnicity
The enrolled student population at Lehigh University is predominantly White, comprising 57% of the student body. Other significant ethnic groups include Hispanic or Latino (9.7%), Asian (9.2%), and Black or African American (4.61%). Smaller percentages include Two or More Races (3.39%), American Indian or Alaska Native (0.0922%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.0264%).
Read also: Lehigh Grads and Employment
Gender Distribution
Among full-time undergraduate students, the most common demographic is White Male (31.4%), followed by White Female (27.8%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (5.3%). In full-time graduate programs, the most common demographics are White Female (19.2%), White Male (18.4%), and Hispanic or Latino Female (2.52%). In 2023, 1,095 degrees were awarded to men at Lehigh University, which is 1.09 times more than the number of degrees awarded to females (1,001).
Geographic Diversity
Lehigh University attracts students from across the United States and internationally. Approximately 73.89% of Lehigh students come from out of state, and 8.33% come from out of the country. The undergraduate student body represents 34 states (including Washington D.C.).
Age Diversity
Lehigh boasts a good age diversity score, indicating its success in attracting students of all ages.
Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition Costs
The median undergraduate tuition at Lehigh University is $61,180, which is $30,177 more than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). In 2023, the cost of tuition at Lehigh University was $61,180. This is significantly higher than the overall national average for Doctoral Universities.
Average Net Price
After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students at Lehigh University is $33,289. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price grew by 9.31%.
Read also: Lehigh's Guide to Student Responsibilities
Other Student Expenses
In 2023, the average yearly cost of room and board at Lehigh University was $15,890, a 3.65% increase from 2022. The average yearly cost of books and supplies remained steady at $1,000.
Financial Aid
In 2023, 54% of undergraduate students attending Lehigh University received financial aid through grants, while 38% received financial aid through loans. This represents a decline of 1.82% with respect to 2022, when 55% of undergraduate students received financial aid.
Student Loan Default Rate
In 2022, the default rate for borrowers at Lehigh University was 0%, with 0 out of 758 total borrowers defaulting.
Academic Programs and Outcomes
Degrees Awarded
In 2023, Lehigh University awarded 2,096 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. Of these, 47.8% were awarded to women and 52.2% to men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was White (1,237 degrees), 6.76 times more than the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino (183 degrees).
Most Common Majors
In 2023, the most common bachelor's degree concentration at Lehigh University was General Finance, with 193 degrees awarded.
Read also: Accessing Course Materials Made Easy
Time to Complete
In 2023, 78% of students graduating from Lehigh University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 87% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 88% within 200%.
Graduation Rate
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Lehigh University is Male and American Indian or Alaska Native (100% graduation rate).
Common Jobs and Industries
The most common jobs for Lehigh University graduates with specialized majors include Software developers, Other managers, Miscellaneous engineers (including nuclear engineers), Civil engineers, and Mechanical engineers. These graduates often find employment in industries such as Computer Systems Design, Architectural, engineering & related services, Colleges, universities & professional schools (including junior colleges), and Construction.
Financial Operations
Endowment
Lehigh University has an endowment valued at nearly $1.74 billion as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was $154 million (8.86%), compared to the 4.37% average return across all Doctoral Universities.
Salary Expenditure
In 2023, Lehigh University had a total salary expenditure of $495 million.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention Rate
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Lehigh University was 93%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Lehigh University had a retention rate higher than its peers.
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