Lehigh University vs Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is a public university in University Park, PA. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus about 91%, making Lehigh University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,550 a year at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus after aid, and about $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 34% at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bethlehem, PA
University Park, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,898
7,877
Acceptance rate
26%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1370–1500
1090–1335
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
26–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,931
$19,550
Full cost / yr
$80,856
$27,678
In-state tuition
$64,980
$15,356
Out-of-state tuition
$64,980
$15,356
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,917
$16,372
$30k - $48k
$17,140
$17,144
$48k - $75k
$18,722
$19,337
$75k - $110k
$22,184
$23,852
Over $110k
$48,751
$26,078
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
34%
Freshman retention
94%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,810
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$105,584
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$21,960
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
31%
First-generation students
17%
29%
International students
7%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jun 30
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.
- Is Lehigh University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus harder to get into?
- Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 91% at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Lehigh University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,550 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 Lehigh University and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus costs about $27,678 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, Lehigh University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,372 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, Lehigh University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is the larger of the two, with about 7,877 undergraduates against 5,898 at Lehigh University.
- Does Lehigh University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus have a better graduation rate?
- Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 34% at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus.
- Do graduates of Lehigh University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus earn more?
- Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lehigh University and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Lehigh University and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1370–1500 at Lehigh University and 1090–1335 at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Lehigh University vs University of PennsylvaniaLehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon UniversityLehigh University vs Villanova UniversityPennsylvania State University-World Campus vs University of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania State University-World Campus vs Carnegie Mellon UniversityPennsylvania State University-World Campus vs Villanova University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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