The Lehigh Board of Trustees has approved undergraduate tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year of $63,930, 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 also increase by 4.5% to $82,200.
Lehigh seeks to make a Lehigh education accessible to all students 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 scholarships such as the Lehigh Soaring Together Scholarships. Because of these programs, last year Lehigh provided a record amount of financial aid, with more than 55% of Lehigh undergraduate students receiving some financial aid. For families applying for financial aid or whose circumstances have recently changed, resources are available on the Office of Financial Aid website.
“Lehigh provides an outstanding education and student experience for all Lehigh students. Students gain the timely and timeless skills that will prepare them both for their first jobs and for long-term success throughout their careers,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Nathan Urban. “Lehigh graduates go on to successful careers and lives, and data show that a Lehigh degree is among the most valuable college degrees in the country.”
Last year, tuition and associated fees supported approximately 59% of Lehigh’s operating budget allowing for many enhancements to the educational and student experience at Lehigh. This included improvements of classrooms and academic spaces, upgrades of technology, support of co-curricular programs that augment the student experience and resources for hiring of new faculty across the colleges. Grants and contracts, gifts and endowment distributions provided the bulk of the remaining budget, including funds for scholarships and financial aid.
Lehigh is ranked in the top tier of national research universities annually and 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 No. 14 nationally. 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 and 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, 95.4% of the Class of 2023 were employed, continuing education or pursuing military or volunteer service within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $76,000.
Vice President for Finance and Administration Michael Todd said: “Our goal is to support an outstanding student experience, while acknowledging the substantial investment made by students and their families in higher education. We are dedicated to providing an unparalleled educational experience that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for success on a global landscape.”