Lehigh University vs Pennsylvania Western University
Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA, and Pennsylvania Western University is a public university in California, PA. Lehigh University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 26% of applicants against 94% at Pennsylvania Western University. Pennsylvania Western University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,256 a year against $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 51% at Pennsylvania Western University. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $47,295 for Pennsylvania Western University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bethlehem, PA
California, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,898
7,451
Acceptance rate
26%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.14–3.64
SAT (middle 50%)
1370–1500
940–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,931
$18,256
Full cost / yr
$80,856
$26,916
In-state tuition
$64,980
$11,436
Out-of-state tuition
$64,980
$16,054
Application fee
$75
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,917
$13,944
$30k - $48k
$17,140
$14,171
$48k - $75k
$18,722
$16,517
$75k - $110k
$22,184
$20,633
Over $110k
$48,751
$23,272
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
51%
Freshman retention
94%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,810
$38,474
Median earnings (10 yr)
$105,584
$47,295
Median debt at graduation
$21,960
$23,725
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
38%
First-generation students
17%
37%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Rolling
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 Western University harder to get into?
- Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 94% at Pennsylvania Western 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, Lehigh University or Pennsylvania Western University?
- Pennsylvania Western University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,256 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 Western University?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania Western University costs about $26,916 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 Western University?
- Pennsylvania Western University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,944 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 Western University?
- Pennsylvania Western University is the larger of the two, with about 7,451 undergraduates against 5,898 at Lehigh University.
- Does Lehigh University or Pennsylvania Western University have a better graduation rate?
- Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 51% at Pennsylvania Western University.
- Do graduates of Lehigh University or Pennsylvania Western University earn more?
- Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,295 for Pennsylvania Western University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lehigh University and Pennsylvania Western University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania Western University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Lehigh University and Pennsylvania Western University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1370–1500 at Lehigh University and 940–1140 at Pennsylvania Western University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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