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Central Penn College vs Lehigh University

Central Penn College is a private for-profit college in Summerdale, PA, and Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Central Penn College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 18% of applicants against 26% at Lehigh University. Central Penn College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,953 a year against $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 43% at Central Penn College. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $45,370 for Central Penn College.

Central Penn College

Summerdale, PA · Private (for-profit)

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private
Location
Summerdale, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
662
5,898
Acceptance rate
18%
26%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
660–910
1370–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
13–17
31–34
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,953
$36,931
Full cost / yr
$27,116
$80,856
In-state tuition
$19,854
$64,980
Out-of-state tuition
$19,854
$64,980
Application fee
Not reported
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,859
$16,917
$30k - $48k
$19,164
$17,140
$48k - $75k
$17,011
$18,722
$75k - $110k
$18,973
$22,184
Over $110k
$23,656
$48,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
89%
Freshman retention
65%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,798
$88,810
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,370
$105,584
Median debt at graduation
$23,194
$21,960
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
18%
First-generation students
51%
17%
International students
4%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central Penn College or Lehigh University harder to get into?
Central Penn College is harder to get into. It admits about 18% of applicants, compared with 26% at Lehigh University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central Penn College or Lehigh University?
Central Penn College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,953 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,931 at Lehigh University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central Penn College and Lehigh University?
Before aid, Central Penn College costs about $27,116 a year and Lehigh University about $80,856. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central Penn College or Lehigh University?
Central Penn College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,859 there, against about $16,917 at Lehigh University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central Penn College or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is the larger of the two, with about 5,898 undergraduates against 662 at Central Penn College.
Does Central Penn College or Lehigh University have a better graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 43% at Central Penn College.
Do graduates of Central Penn College or Lehigh University earn more?
Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,370 for Central Penn College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central Penn College and Lehigh University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central Penn College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central Penn College and Lehigh University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 660–910 at Central Penn College and 1370–1500 at Lehigh University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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