Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
29.3% Acceptance Rate
Lehigh University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
29.3%Acceptance Rate
3.81Avg GPA
1432Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$77,515Annual Cost
$105,584Grad Salary
17.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
29.3%
Avg GPA
3.81
Avg SAT
1432
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1350–1490
ACT Middle 50%
31–33
Need-Based Aid
17.8% receive Pell
Lehigh University, founded in 1865 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a premier research university known for blending liberal arts with engineering and business. The university's 2,350-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern facilities, including the innovative STEPS building for interdisciplinary collaboration. Lehigh's four colleges offer 100+ programs, with particular strengths in materials science, finance, and technical entrepreneurship. The university's Mountaintop Initiative provides students with open-ended spaces to tackle complex problems through team-based projects. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and $75 million in annual research expenditures, Lehigh fosters close mentorship and hands-on discovery. The university's strong alumni network includes Fortune 500 CEOs and Nobel laureates, reflecting its tradition of producing leaders who combine technical expertise with broad perspective.
Lehigh University Acceptance Rate
Lehigh University is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of Lehigh University is 29.3%. This means that only 29 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2–3 key extracurricular activities.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 29.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
While academics are a primary focus, Lehigh University considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.81 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.61 – 3.80
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.36
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Lehigh University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Lehigh University is 3.81. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.01-4.21 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.51 and 3.81, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Lehigh University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Lehigh University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.81, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.81 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.61 – 3.80
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.41 – 3.60
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.40
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate: approximately 26?29% overall (Class of 2028: 5,289 admitted from 20,396 applications, a then-record pool); EDI rate approximately 45?47%; EDII rate similar; EDI deadline November 1, EDII deadline January 1, Regular Decision January 15 (or January 20 per some sources - verify with Lehigh directly); $75 application fee; test-optional indefinitely; mid-50% SAT 1380?1490, ACT 31?34 for submitters; less than 40% of Class of 2028 submitted test scores.
- Three required supplemental essays, each approximately 200 words: (1) How did you first learn about Lehigh and what motivated you to apply? (2) What's something great happening in your life right now? (3) How will Your chosen college/program/major/4+1 allow you to achieve your goals? Program-specific essays also exist for some programs - verify by program on Lehigh's requirements page.
- Four selective intercollegiate degree programs applied to directly at admission: IBE (Integrated Business and Engineering, ~50 seats, AACSB-accredited BS, 3.25 GPA required to remain), IDEAS (Integrated Engineering/Arts and Sciences), CSB (Computer Science and Business), IBH (Integrated Business and Health); all require designation at the application stage; internal transfer is possible but highly competitive.
- Lehigh achieved R1 Carnegie classification in 2024 (Doctoral Universities ? Very High Research Activity), accelerating its national profile and contributing to record application volumes; the 7-Year BA/DMD program with UPenn Dental requires a separate Penn Supplement (deadline January 1) submitted through the Lehigh portal; demonstrated interest is rated "important" by Lehigh admissions and actively tracked through campus visits, contact with admissions officers, and social media engagement.
- The Rigor Metric: At Lehigh University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Lehigh University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Lehigh University's verified institutional data
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Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Lehigh University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Lehigh University Without SAT or ACT?
Lehigh University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Lehigh University Average SAT Score: 1432
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Lehigh University is 1432 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1432 — Very Competitive
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1432 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1490 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Lehigh University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1350, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Lehigh University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 720 | 680 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 700 | 670 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1432 | 1350 | 1490 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1350 then you are below most of the admitted students at Lehigh University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1490 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450
Can I get into Lehigh University with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Lehigh University are good but the admission staff at Lehigh University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Lehigh University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Lehigh University is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
This score makes Lehigh University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 28 | 32 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 31 | 33 |
Can I get into Lehigh University with a 33 ACT?
A 33 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Lehigh University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Lehigh University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Lehigh University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Lehigh University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 33 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lehigh University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Lehigh University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Write All Three Supplemental Essays With Surgical Specificity at 200 Words Each
Lehigh's 2025?26 supplement requires three essays, each approximately 200 words: Prompt 1: "How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?" Prompt 2: "At Lehigh, we believe in pausing to celebrate the good - meaningful moments that bring joy, pride or motivation. What's something great happening in your life right now? It could be an accomplishment, a personal win (big or small) or something you're genuinely excited about." Prompt 3: "How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?" At 200 words per essay, every sentence must be load-bearing. Prompt 1 is a narrative about how Lehigh entered the student's awareness and why they moved from awareness to action. Prompt 3 is a program-specific fit essay - the only prompt where naming a specific Lehigh structure (IBE, IDEAS, CSB, IBH, or a 4+1 program) earns a meaningful signal of genuine research. Prompts 1 and 3 together constitute a two-part Why Lehigh argument; Prompt 2 is character-revealing and should illuminate something not visible elsewhere in the file.
Apply Early Decision - Demonstrated Interest Is Explicitly Tracked and ED Provides a Major Advantage
Lehigh rates "level of applicant's interest" as an important admissions factor - one of only ten factors at that rating level, alongside essays and recommendations. It actively tracks whether applicants have contacted an admissions officer, visited campus, or engaged with the institution. Lehigh offers EDI (November 1, binding) and EDII (January 1, binding); the ED acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was approximately 45?47% versus a Regular Decision rate of approximately 27%. Applying ED when Lehigh is a genuine first choice is not merely strategically advisable - for borderline applicants (by Lehigh's own language), the admissions office explicitly states that ED is the recommended pathway. Students who have visited campus or contacted admissions have a documented interest record that supports the ED application; those who have not should prioritize a campus visit before applying.
Apply to IBE, IDEAS, or CSB Directly From High School - These Programs Are Admission-Limited
Lehigh's four intercollegiate degree programs - Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE), Integrated Engineering Arts and Sciences (IDEAS), Computer Science and Business (CSB), and Integrated Business and Health (IBH) - are applied to directly from high school as part of the admissions application. IBE is limited to approximately 50 students per year; IDEAS is described as "highly selective." Late-stage internal transfer into these programs after freshman year is possible but extremely competitive and dependent on GPA, faculty recommendation, and space availability. Students who identify these programs as their goal must list them at application - they cannot be retrofitted after enrollment. A student who arrives at Lehigh having listed a standard engineering or business major and then attempts to transfer into IBE will face a far more uncertain and competitive process than one who was admitted directly.
Understand Lehigh's 7-Year BA/DMD Dental Program and Its Separate Penn Supplement
Lehigh partners with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in a 7-year combined BA/DMD program that reserves a dental school seat for students who maintain defined academic requirements through their Lehigh undergraduate years. This program requires not only the standard Lehigh Common App application but also a separate Penn Dental Supplement (PDF) uploaded through the applicant portal or emailed to admissions - deadline January 1. Students who are interested in dentistry and apply to Lehigh without knowing about this combined program are choosing a school that offers a materially better pre-dental pathway than a standard pre-dental track - and then not accessing it. The BA/DMD program is the most concrete example of Lehigh's accelerated health professions pathways, which also include tracks for pre-medical, pre-law, allied health, and veterinary programs.
Expert Insight:
Lehigh's acceptance rate has moved nonlinearly - bouncing between 22% and 50% across recent years - which creates dangerous application strategy errors. Students who research Lehigh using a 45% rate from several cycles ago and treat it as a comfortable match may be applying with an outdated mental model when the current rate is closer to 26?29%. More concretely, applications to Lehigh rose 57% over five years ending in 2025, and the Class of 2028 received an all-time high of 20,396 applications. A student who treats Lehigh as a safety based on a prior-cycle acceptance rate is making a structural error; the school's R1 Carnegie classification (achieved in 2024) and rising profile have changed the competitive landscape faster than published admissions data can capture it.
Lehigh University Profile
Full Name
Lehigh University
City
Bethlehem
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
18015
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Lehigh University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lehigh University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Lehigh University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Lehigh University is $88,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.62%.
How much does a degree from Lehigh University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lehigh University is $77,515. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Lehigh University is much less than this.
17.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 37.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lehigh University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Lehigh University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lehigh University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Lehigh University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $105,584. An average Lehigh University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Lehigh University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Indianola, IA | 1410 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lehigh University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Babson College | Wellesley, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | 1422 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Macalester College | Saint Paul, MN | 1424 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lehigh University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 1507 | 33 |
Degree Programs at Lehigh University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Lehigh University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Lehigh University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $105,584 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $77,515 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
17.8% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Lehigh University is 29.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.81. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.51, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.51, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.41 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.81, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Lehigh University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1432 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1350–1490.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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