Lehigh University Acceptance Rate 2024

Overview of Lehigh University

Lehigh University is one of the private research universities located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 32%.

The university has three contiguous campuses of about 1,600 acres. 

Students of Lehigh University can take advantage of the school’s academic support services, learning center, assistance with study skills –  tutoring and a writing centre. English is used as a second Language for classes and services,

Also, the university has honours programs, independent study opportunities, internships, an exchange student program and career counselling.

Studying program abroad is quite extensive, offering undergraduates 200 programs in 60 different countries. Meaning you can spend a semester abroad whether you are in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East. 

And if you prefer to travel during college breaks, Lehigh University offers winter break programs in Costa Rica, Martinique, Spain, and Singapore. The university also offers summer programs in Ireland, Belgium, London, Paris, Prague, Shanghai, and Kenya; and a spring break program in Israel, which are all led by members of the Lehigh faculty.

The school offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs; engineering and business majors are among the most popular courses in the university.

Lehigh University has a 9/1 student/faculty ratio with an average class size of 29 students.  The school ranks among the top Middle Atlantic colleges and Pennsylvania colleges.

Lehigh University Acceptance Rate

Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 32 percent and ranks #8 in Pennsylvania for the lowest rate of acceptance. This implies that for every 100 applicants only 32 are admitted; making Lehigh’s admissions process competitive.

5,023 out of 15,649 applicants were admitted in the year 2019/2020 academic session, making the school a highly competitive university to get into with a lesser chance of acceptance for qualifying applicants. 

The university’s requirements are extremely high for admission.  The school admits students who score in the top 12%. Typically, it’s very easy for average high school students. 

Just as the acceptance rate is low and highly competitive, the enrollment rate is highly competitive.

The university only enrols 28% of those admitted into the school.

SAT, ACT, & GPA Scores

Lehigh University considers applicants who score high in SAT – in the top 14 percent of SAT test-takers. 

Lehigh usually takes SAT composite scores down to 1280 on a 1600 scale, below which the admission is considered a reach. However, students could still be accepted with an SAT score as low as 1190. But the estimated average SAT composite score for admitted freshmen is 1370 out of 1600. Lehigh university ranks #6 in Pennsylvania for the highest average SAT composite score. To be admitted on merit applicants must have a competitive SAT score as 63 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.

In terms of ACT, admission data shows that Lehigh university regularly accepts students with an ACT of 29 and above. Statistics show that successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 9% nationally and in some instances, the school accepts minimum ACT composite scores around 27.

Prospective students with an ACT composite of 31 or higher can be sure to fall in the upper half of applicants, and with a 33 ACT score or above, have a very competitive chance. Just in the case of SAT, the university also ranks #6 in Pennsylvania for the highest average ACT composite score. Of all the applicants, data shows that 37% of applicants submit ACT scores to Lehigh University.

On a 4.0 scale, the high school GPA of the admitted freshman shows an average of 3.81. making it highly competitive.

Your admission decision by the school authority relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters and including personal statements.

• 80-100% – Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80% – More likely than not getting in
• 20-50% – Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20% – Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot(reach school)
• 0-5% – Very difficult to get in

Students looking for admission are recommended to apply to university across a range of chances. 

Financial Aid

Lehigh University offers students both need-based and merit-based scholarships worldwide. These scholarships include academic merit awards for students in the top tier of their applicant pool. 

Dean’s Scholars get an award of $10,000 a year only for the students who excel academically and have shown leadership skills in their respective high schools. The need-based Lehigh scholarship awards are reserved for students with solid academic skills and a demonstration need.

Note: Students who qualify and are given this award must maintain a 2.8-grade point average while at Lehigh.

Students Life

Lehigh University requires students in their first year to live in on-campus housing. Residence halls are surrounding the campus where students can easily take a walk to classes, libraries, the gym and other activities.

Students coming in can choose between double rooms and singles, or triples. Although the single rooms are limited, all rooms are equipped with a phone, cable TV connections and direct Internet access.