Lehigh University continues to stand out as one of the top institutions in the country, once again ranking in the top 30 of the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Lehigh is one of only 13 institutions that have been ranked in the top 30 for three years in a row, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to student success and value.
The Wall Street Journal rankings, developed in partnership with College Pulse and Statista, evaluate colleges based on how well they prepare students for life after graduation. Schools are assessed across three core pillars: Student Outcomes (70%), Learning Environment (20%) and Diversity (10%).
Lehigh’s overall score of 82.2 was fueled by exceptional performance in the Student Outcomes category. Key highlights include:
- Salary Impact Score: 94
- Time to Pay Off Net Price: Just 1 year, 7 months, a strong indicator of return on investment
- Graduation Rate Impact: Well above national averages
Further underscoring the value of a Lehigh degree, the university ranked 13th on WSJ’s Best Salaries list, which measures how much colleges impact graduates' earnings relative to the cost of attendance. Lehigh’s value-added salary is $81,485, an increase of nearly $8,000 from the previous year’s ranking.
The rankings evaluated 584 eligible U.S. colleges and universities; 84 institutions were added this year.
Lehigh’s continued recognition stems from its innovative academic programs, strong alumni network and career-focused approach to education, all of which consistently attract high-achieving students seeking both intellectual growth and real-world readiness.
Prospective students interested in learning more about Lehigh’s nationally recognized academic programs and career outcomes are encouraged to visit our Undergraduate Admission website for more information, schedule a campus visit or attend an on-campus or virtual information session.
