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Drexel University vs Lehigh University

Drexel University is a private university in Philadelphia, PA. Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants and Drexel University about 79%, making Lehigh University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $36,931 a year at Lehigh University after aid, and about $38,509 at Drexel University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 78% at Drexel University. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $84,648 for Drexel University.

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,233
5,898
Acceptance rate
79%
26%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1440
1370–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,509
$36,931
Full cost / yr
$76,835
$80,856
In-state tuition
$62,412
$64,980
Out-of-state tuition
$62,412
$64,980
Application fee
$50
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,055
$16,917
$30k - $48k
$29,435
$17,140
$48k - $75k
$34,970
$18,722
$75k - $110k
$37,842
$22,184
Over $110k
$48,089
$48,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
89%
Freshman retention
90%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,063
$88,810
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,648
$105,584
Median debt at graduation
$25,325
$21,960
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
18%
First-generation students
29%
17%
International students
9%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Drexel University or Lehigh University harder to get into?
Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 79% at Drexel 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, Drexel University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,931 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,509 at Drexel 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 Drexel University and Lehigh University?
Before aid, Drexel University costs about $76,835 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, Drexel University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,917 there, against about $28,055 at Drexel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Drexel University or Lehigh University?
Drexel University is the larger of the two, with about 13,233 undergraduates against 5,898 at Lehigh University.
Does Drexel University or Lehigh University have a better graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 78% at Drexel University.
Do graduates of Drexel University or Lehigh University earn more?
Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,648 for Drexel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Drexel University and Lehigh University require SAT or ACT scores?
Drexel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Drexel University and Lehigh University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1440 at Drexel University 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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