Lehigh University
Lehigh University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lehigh University at a Glance
Lehigh University (LU) is a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. The university was established in 1865 by businessman Asa Packer. Lehigh University's undergraduate programs have been coeducational since the 1971–72 academic year. As of 2022, the university had 5,911 undergraduate students and 1,781 graduate students. The university is classified as "Doctoral Universities R1: Very High Research Activity".
1865
161 years old
—
$1.7
7,909
5,986 undergrad · 1,923 grad
681
11:1 student:faculty
1,600 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Lehigh University
Official admissions pageJanuary 1
November 1 (Early Decision I)
Is Lehigh University Worth It?
Lehigh University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $36,931/year, it's priced 81% above average, while graduates go on to earn $105,584 — 96% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 89% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
Admission is competitive with a 26% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How Lehigh University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #2 of 5 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Babson College | 71 | $40,514 | $123,938 |
| #2 | Lehigh University | 63 | $36,931 | $105,584 |
| #3 | Lafayette College | 58 | $34,433 | $91,410 |
| #4 | Villanova University | 53 | $43,756 | $100,423 |
| #5 | Bucknell University | 50 | $40,766 | $93,807 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lehigh University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in PA.
Best Programs at Lehigh University
The highest-earning program at Lehigh University is Computer Science at $72,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $40,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Lehigh University earns $72,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $40,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $22,575 in median debt vs. $23,250 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,931/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $72,900 | $72,900 | $22,575 |
| Chemical Engineering | $72,800 | $72,800 | $25,244 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $72,100 | $72,100 | $27,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | $70,300 | $70,300 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $68,200 | $68,200 | $24,730 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $68,200 | $68,200 | $22,196 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $67,300 | $67,300 | $24,250 |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $67,000 | $67,000 | $23,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,900 | $63,900 | $21,705 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $58,800 | $58,800 | $26,780 |
| Civil Engineering | $57,400 | $57,400 | $25,480 |
| Marketing | $49,600 | $49,600 | $24,236 |
| Psychology, General | $40,000 | $40,000 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bethlehem, PA
- Student Body
- 5,898 students
- Admission Rate
- 26%
- Graduation Rate
- 89%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,931
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $105,584
- Median Student Debt
- $21,960