Lehigh University vs Case Western Reserve University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Lehigh University and Case Western Reserve University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Lehigh University vs Case Western Reserve University at a glance
Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Case Western Reserve University 36.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,272 at Lehigh University and $44,622 at Case Western Reserve University. Six-year graduation rates are 85.2% and 87.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Case Western Reserve University 36.5%, so Lehigh University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,272 a year at Lehigh University and $44,622 at Case Western Reserve University; Lehigh University costs $19,350 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,290 at Lehigh University and $14,046 at Case Western Reserve University.
- 85.2% of students graduate within six years at Lehigh University, against 87.4% at Case Western Reserve University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $116,342 for Lehigh University and $89,865 for Case Western Reserve University; Lehigh University is $26,477 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,371 at Lehigh University and $21,500 at Case Western Reserve University.
- Lehigh University enrolls 5,898 students (small city) and Case Western Reserve University 6,437 (large city).
Side by side
Lehigh University and Case Western Reserve University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Lehigh University | Case Western Reserve University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 25.9% | 36.5% |
| Applicants | 14,107 | 33,232 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1370–1500 | 1430–1540 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 32–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,272 | $44,622 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,920 | $69,270 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,920 | $69,270 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,497 | $88,326 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,290 | $14,046 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,708 | $17,955 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,587 | $24,534 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,869 | $31,965 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,233 | $55,534 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.2% | 87.4% |
| First-year retention | 93.7% | 92.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $116,342 | $89,865 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,371 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $243 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,898 | 6,437 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Bethlehem, PA | Cleveland, OH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Lehigh University reports 66 bachelor's programs and Case Western Reserve University 66; 46 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Lehigh University vs Case Western Reserve University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or Case Western Reserve University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Case Western Reserve University admits 36.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Lehigh University 1370–1500; Case Western Reserve University 1430–1540.
Which is cheaper, Lehigh University or Case Western Reserve University?
Lehigh University has the lower average net price after grants: $25,272 a year at Lehigh University against $44,622 at Case Western Reserve University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,290 and $14,046. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Lehigh University or Case Western Reserve University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the median: $116,342 ten years after entry for Lehigh University and $89,865 for Case Western Reserve University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,371 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Lehigh University or Case Western Reserve University?
Case Western Reserve University does: 85.2% of Lehigh University students graduate within six years, against 87.4% at Case Western Reserve University.
How big are Lehigh University and Case Western Reserve University?
Lehigh University has 5,898 students in Bethlehem, PA and Case Western Reserve University has 6,437 students in Cleveland, OH.