The Lehigh Board of Trustees has approved undergraduate tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year of $66,810, an increase of 4.5% over last year. The total cost of attendance, including tuition, typical room and board charges and fees for one year of undergraduate education, will increase by 4.74% to $86,100.
Lehigh seeks to make a Lehigh education accessible to all students, regardless of family income, through efforts such as the Lehigh Commitment (which ensures that students with family incomes of less than $75,000 pay no tuition) and through merit aid such as the Lehigh Founders’ and Trustees’ Scholarships. For families applying for financial aid or whose circumstances have recently changed, resources are available on the Office of Financial Aid website.
“In terms of both economic and non-economic returns, a Lehigh degree is one of the most valuable in the country,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Nathan Urban. “Here, we prepare students to thrive and lead in an increasingly complex world. We take great care to ensure that the academic and career outcomes of Lehigh students are truly outstanding, and that the opportunities afforded to Lehigh graduates are best in class. Moreover, Lehigh graduates join an alumni community that offers strong support and mentorship, furthering the success of each and every Lehigh graduate.”
Last year, tuition and associated fees supported approximately 61% of Lehigh’s operating budget, allowing for many enhancements to the educational and student experiences at Lehigh. This included improvements of classrooms and communal spaces, support of programs that augment the student experience, technology upgrades, student services and resources within the colleges. Grants and contracts, gifts and endowment distributions provided the majority of the remaining budget, including funds for scholarships and financial aid.
Lehigh is ranked in the top tier of national research universities annually, and earlier this year earned R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, denoting the highest level of research activity. It earns especially high marks for student outcomes and return on investment. In the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking, Lehigh placed 15th nationally. It was the second consecutive year that Lehigh was featured among the nation’s top colleges and universities. Student outcomes—graduation rates, graduates’ salaries and how salaries offset the cost of attaining an undergraduate degree—accounted for 70% of the score. Learning environment—including students’ evaluations of their school’s learning facilities, opportunities and how well it prepares them for a career, as well as how strongly they recommend the school—accounted for 20%. Diversity of a school’s students and faculty accounted for 10%.
Notably, within six months of graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were employed, continuing education or pursuing military or volunteer service, with an average starting salary of $74,000.
Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration Chris Cook said, "Our commitment to providing a world-class education that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow continues. We recognize the significant investment in higher education made by students and families. This investment ensures they have the tools and opportunities to succeed in an increasingly dynamic and complex global landscape."
