US University · Ranked #48
Lehigh University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a selective university with an acceptance rate of about 32%. Ranked #48 nationally in our dataset, it offers a realistic target for well-prepared applicants: strong-but-not-perfect profiles are regularly admitted, and a thoughtful application can meaningfully move the needle.
Lehigh is a private research university in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, known for its strong engineering and business programs, and a beautiful mountainside campus.
This guide breaks down Lehigh's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Lehigh University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 32%
- SAT range
- 1290–1450
- Average GPA
- 3.75
- In-state
- $62,180
- Out-of-state
- $62,180
- Enrollment
- 5,624
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
How hard is it to get into Lehigh University?
Lehigh's 32% acceptance rate makes it selective but realistically attainable for well-prepared students. Unlike the most elite schools, applicants who clearly meet the academic profile have a solid chance, and a strong application — coherent essays, relevant activities, a clear narrative — can be decisive rather than merely a tiebreaker.
For students at or above the school's academic profile, Lehigh is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Lehigh typically score between 1290 and 1450 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1290 and a quarter above 1450. A score at or above 1450 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1370 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.75. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1290) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Lehigh Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 15
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
Lehigh's Early Decision deadline is Nov 15, with Regular Decision on Jan 15. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Lehigh is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at Lehigh University
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Architecture — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Biology — a common pre-health major with heavy lab and prerequisite expectations.
Lehigh is particularly known for Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Architecture, and Biology.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Lehigh University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Lehigh charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,180 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Lehigh University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Lehigh University?
- Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 32%, which makes it selective. For students at or above the school's academic profile, Lehigh is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
- What SAT score do you need for Lehigh University?
- Admitted students at Lehigh University typically score between 1290 and 1450 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1450 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1290 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Lehigh University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Lehigh University is approximately 3.75 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.75 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Lehigh University?
- Lehigh University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 15 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Lehigh University a public or private university?
- Lehigh University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Lehigh University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Lehigh charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,180 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.