University of Rochester vs Lehigh University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Rochester and Lehigh University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Rochester vs Lehigh University at a glance
University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Lehigh University 25.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,347 at University of Rochester and $25,272 at Lehigh University. Six-year graduation rates are 83.4% and 85.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Lehigh University 25.9%, so Lehigh University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,347 a year at University of Rochester and $25,272 at Lehigh University; Lehigh University costs $9,075 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,091 at University of Rochester and $14,290 at Lehigh University.
- 83.4% of students graduate within six years at University of Rochester, against 85.2% at Lehigh University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $88,358 for University of Rochester and $116,342 for Lehigh University; Lehigh University is $27,984 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at University of Rochester and $21,371 at Lehigh University.
- University of Rochester enrolls 6,331 students (midsize city) and Lehigh University 5,898 (small city).
Side by side
University of Rochester and Lehigh 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 | University of Rochester | Lehigh University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 25.9% |
| Applicants | 19,543 | 14,107 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1410–1540 | 1370–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,347 | $25,272 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,306 | $67,920 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,306 | $67,920 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,562 | $84,497 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,091 | $14,290 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,962 | $13,708 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $20,337 | $19,587 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,472 | $20,869 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,184 | $36,233 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.4% | 85.2% |
| First-year retention | 90.7% | 93.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $88,358 | $116,342 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $21,371 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $243 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,331 | 5,898 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Rochester, NY | Bethlehem, 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
University of Rochester reports 59 bachelor's programs and Lehigh University 66; 35 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Rochester vs Lehigh University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Rochester or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Lehigh University admits 25.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Rochester 1410–1540; Lehigh University 1370–1500.
Which is cheaper, University of Rochester or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University has the lower average net price after grants: $34,347 a year at University of Rochester against $25,272 at Lehigh University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,091 and $14,290. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Rochester or Lehigh University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the median: $88,358 ten years after entry for University of Rochester and $116,342 for Lehigh University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $21,371.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Rochester or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University does: 83.4% of University of Rochester students graduate within six years, against 85.2% at Lehigh University.
How big are University of Rochester and Lehigh University?
University of Rochester has 6,331 students in Rochester, NY and Lehigh University has 5,898 students in Bethlehem, PA.