Lehigh University has been ranked No. 21 among the top 500 universities nationwide in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges 2026-27 rankings. Developed in partnership with Statista, the outcomes-focused ranking evaluates what higher education delivers to its students, with a particular emphasis on tangible financial and academic outcomes.
Lehigh’s strong performance reflects the value of a holistic educational experience that combines rigorous academics with meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning and research, mentorship and career preparation. The university’s commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, connecting students with career services and a global alumni network that supports them throughout their Lehigh journey and beyond.
TIME evaluated schools across three pillars:
- Student outcomes: Measures students’ likelihood to succeed and the payoff students gain from attending a college.
- Learning environment: Reflects the conditions a college provides for its students to succeed academically.
- Attractiveness: Captures how strongly students want to attend a college.
The student outcomes category carries the greatest weight in the evaluation, considering factors such as graduation rates, career earning power and overall return on educational investment.
For additional information about Lehigh’s distinctive academic programs, prospective students can connect with Lehigh’s Admissions office to have their questions answered, schedule a campus tour and attend an information session.
