HighSchoolOS How to Get Into Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data
Lehigh University Admissions Statistics
How to Actually Get Into Lehigh University
Understand what 26% really means
At Lehigh University's admit rate, your position against the published ranges genuinely matters. Land above the middle 50% and this behaves like a target; inside it, a true toss-up worth real effort on essays and fit signals; below it, treat it as a reach. Place it on your list accordingly instead of trusting the headline rate.
Position your scores against the real bands
The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1370-1500 combined SAT or 31-34 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.
Use the Early Decision round deliberately
Lehigh University offers Early Decision, which is binding. The early bump is real but overstated (hooked applicants cluster early and inflate it). Spend ED once, on the school where it actually moves you a tier, and only if the money works without comparing aid offers. If that school is Lehigh University, the deadline table below is your calendar.
The supplements are where files separate
Lehigh University asks 13 supplemental questions (the exact prompts are below). At any selective school, essays are where you stop being a data point, generic answers read as generic everywhere, so specificity about Lehigh University is the whole game. Answer why THIS school, with details that could not be pasted into another application.
The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Lehigh University fits.
Lehigh University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision (ED) | November 1, 2025 |
| Early Decision II (ED II) | January 1, 2026 |
| Regular Decision (RD) | January 1, 2026 |
Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.
Lehigh University Supplemental Essay Prompts
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1. How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 words
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2. How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 words
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3. How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 words
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4. How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 words
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5. Explore Lehigh is designed for students who are undecided or are considering multiple areas of study and wish to explore which of Lehigh's colleges or integrated programs are right for them. You will spend your first semester engaging with big questions, collaborating with peers and developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and communication while you have an opportunity to sample from any of Lehigh's colleges. Tell us why Explore Lehigh is a more attractive option to you than starting in a specific college or intercollege program.
200 words
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6. What makes the Computer Science and Business (CSB) program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 words
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7. What makes the Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 words
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8. What makes the Integrated Business & Health (IBH) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 words
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9. What makes the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS) Honors Program the best fit for your academic and/or professional goals?
200 words
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10. How will the 5-year dual degree Arts-Engineering program, which requires a major in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering, allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?
200 words
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11. How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?
200 words
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12. What's something great happening in your life right now? It could be an accomplishment, a personal win (big or small) or something you're genuinely excited about. If it matters to you, we'd love to hear about it.
200 words
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13. Teacher Recommendations: Required: 1 · Optional: 0
50 words
Application Requirements & Costs
| Application platform | Common App |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Test scores | Not required (test-optional) |
| Writing supplement | Not required |
| Counselor recommendation | Required |
| Teacher evaluations | 1 |
Lehigh University Cost & Financial Aid
| Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) | $80,856 |
| Tuition & fees | $64,980 |
| Room & board (on campus) | $17,220 |
| Average net price (aid-receiving families) | $36,931 |
What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income
Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:
| Family income | Average net price / year |
|---|---|
| $0-30k | $16,917 |
| $30-48k | $17,140 |
| $48-75k | $18,722 |
| $75-110k | $22,184 |
| $110k+ | $48,751 |
These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:
Use Lehigh University's Official Net Price Calculator →More Lehigh University Data, Coming Soon
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