Lehigh University vs Lafayette College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Lehigh University and Lafayette College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Lehigh University vs Lafayette College at a glance
Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Lafayette College 31.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,272 at Lehigh University and $35,879 at Lafayette College. Six-year graduation rates are 85.2% and 85.4%, 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 Lafayette College 31.5%, so Lehigh University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,272 a year at Lehigh University and $35,879 at Lafayette College; Lehigh University costs $10,607 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,290 at Lehigh University and $11,822 at Lafayette College.
- 85.2% of students graduate within six years at Lehigh University, against 85.4% at Lafayette College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $116,342 for Lehigh University and $102,336 for Lafayette College; Lehigh University is $14,006 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,371 at Lehigh University and $14,000 at Lafayette College.
- Lehigh University enrolls 5,898 students (small city) and Lafayette College 2,757 (large suburb).
Side by side
Lehigh University and Lafayette College 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 | Lafayette College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 25.9% | 31.5% |
| Applicants | 14,107 | 8,262 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1370–1500 | 1350–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 31–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,272 | $35,879 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,920 | $67,606 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,920 | $67,606 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,497 | $87,092 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,290 | $11,822 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,708 | $9,292 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,587 | $16,456 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,869 | $30,704 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,233 | $52,178 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.2% | 85.4% |
| First-year retention | 93.7% | 89.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $116,342 | $102,336 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,371 | $14,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $243 | $159 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,898 | 2,757 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Bethlehem, PA | Easton, PA |
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 Lafayette College 35; 29 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Lehigh University vs Lafayette College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or Lafayette College?
Lehigh University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Lafayette College admits 31.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Lehigh University 1370–1500; Lafayette College 1350–1500.
Which is cheaper, Lehigh University or Lafayette College?
Lehigh University has the lower average net price after grants: $25,272 a year at Lehigh University against $35,879 at Lafayette College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,290 and $11,822. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Lehigh University or Lafayette College graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the median: $116,342 ten years after entry for Lehigh University and $102,336 for Lafayette College. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,371 and $14,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Lehigh University or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College does: 85.2% of Lehigh University students graduate within six years, against 85.4% at Lafayette College.
How big are Lehigh University and Lafayette College?
Lehigh University has 5,898 students in Bethlehem, PA and Lafayette College has 2,757 students in Easton, PA.