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Lehigh University vs Villanova University

Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA, and Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA. Lehigh University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 26% of applicants against 27% at Villanova University. Lehigh University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,931 a year against $43,756 at Villanova University. About 92% of students graduate at Villanova University, compared with 89% at Lehigh University. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $100,423 for Villanova University.

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Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bethlehem, PA
Villanova, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,898
6,938
Acceptance rate
26%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1370–1500
1395–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,931
$43,756
Full cost / yr
$80,856
$84,793
In-state tuition
$64,980
$67,776
Out-of-state tuition
$64,980
$67,776
Application fee
$75
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,917
$17,823
$30k - $48k
$17,140
$16,496
$48k - $75k
$18,722
$20,923
$75k - $110k
$22,184
$33,389
Over $110k
$48,751
$58,741
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
92%
Freshman retention
94%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,810
$84,905
Median earnings (10 yr)
$105,584
$100,423
Median debt at graduation
$21,960
$25,874
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
12%
First-generation students
17%
13%
International students
7%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 15

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 Lehigh University or Villanova University harder to get into?
Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 27% at Villanova 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 Villanova University?
Lehigh University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,931 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova 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 Villanova University?
Before aid, Lehigh University costs about $80,856 a year and Villanova University about $84,793. 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 Villanova University?
Lehigh University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,917 there, against about $17,823 at Villanova University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lehigh University or Villanova University?
Villanova University is the larger of the two, with about 6,938 undergraduates against 5,898 at Lehigh University.
Does Lehigh University or Villanova University have a better graduation rate?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 89% at Lehigh University.
Do graduates of Lehigh University or Villanova University earn more?
Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $100,423 for Villanova University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lehigh University and Villanova University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lehigh University and Villanova University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1370–1500 at Lehigh University and 1395–1510 at Villanova 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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