Lehigh University vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public university in West Chester, PA. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants and West Chester University of Pennsylvania about 78%, making Lehigh University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,331 a year at West Chester University of Pennsylvania after aid, and about $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 70% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $61,258 for West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bethlehem, PA
West Chester, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,898
14,164
Acceptance rate
26%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1370–1500
1100–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,931
$23,331
Full cost / yr
$80,856
$28,394
In-state tuition
$64,980
$10,775
Out-of-state tuition
$64,980
$22,599
Application fee
$75
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,917
$17,018
$30k - $48k
$17,140
$17,414
$48k - $75k
$18,722
$20,417
$75k - $110k
$22,184
$24,715
Over $110k
$48,751
$27,160
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
70%
Freshman retention
94%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,810
$51,013
Median earnings (10 yr)
$105,584
$61,258
Median debt at graduation
$21,960
$23,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
25%
First-generation students
17%
28%
International students
7%
0%
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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 78% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,331 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- Before aid, West Chester University of Pennsylvania costs about $28,394 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- Lehigh University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,917 there, against about $17,018 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Lehigh University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania is the larger of the two, with about 14,164 undergraduates against 5,898 at Lehigh University.
- Does Lehigh University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania have a better graduation rate?
- Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 70% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
- Do graduates of Lehigh University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn more?
- Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,258 for West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lehigh University and West Chester University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. West Chester University of Pennsylvania considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Lehigh University and West Chester University of Pennsylvania look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1370–1500 at Lehigh University and 1100–1270 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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