Lehigh recognized as one of nation’s top universities

	U.S. News & World Report ranked Lehigh 35th in the magazine’s 2009 “Guide to America’s Best Colleges.”

Lehigh University, consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s outstanding research universities, has been ranked 35th in the magazine’s 2009 “Guide to America’s Best Colleges.”
Lehigh achieved distinction in several key categories including alumni giving (18th), student selectivity (25th) and graduation and retention rate (32nd). In addition, Lehigh was ranked 27th in the nation for “best value.”
Among the best undergraduate engineering programs whose highest degree is a Ph.D., Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science ranked 38th in the country.
“Lehigh University has tremendous momentum, built upon outstanding faculty and researchers who engage students both inside and outside the classroom,” says Lehigh President Alice P. Gast. “We understand these rankings can offer a starting point for students as they consider various colleges and universities, but we certainly encourage them to visit our campus and learn more about us so they can discover what makes Lehigh such a compelling and exciting place to learn and grow.”
Lehigh is known for innovative programs that instill in students the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to excel in their professions and to address pressing societal concerns in an increasingly global environment.
The Global Citizenship Program, for instance, graduated its first cohort of students in 2008—a group now prepared to negotiate international boundaries and develop their own sense of personal and corporate responsibility to the global community.
Lehigh’s interdisciplinary approach challenges students to learn across academic disciplines and to confront and solve complex, real-world problems. Lehigh’s residential academic program South Mountain College, beginning just its second year, provides students a seamless learning and living environment that transcends disciplines. Programs such as IDEAS—Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, & Sciences—combine the breadth and depth of two programs of study in a four-year college experience.
Upon graduation, Lehigh students are sought after by leading employers and top graduate schools. In 2007, within six months of graduation, 99 percent of Lehigh students were employed; enrolled in graduate school; pursuing military careers; traveling; or pursuing other career-related opportunities. The full class summary is available.
“We offer a rich learning environment that inspires our students,” says Carl O. Moses, deputy provost for academic affairs. “Students use technology in the classroom, gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory spaces, and explore the world through unique study abroad and travel experiences.”
Even before setting foot on campus, students are immersed in the First-Year and Beyond Experience, a program designed to enhance the classroom experience by inspiring interest in lifelong learning, developing an individual identity and creating interpersonal relationships with the entire Lehigh community.
“Students and their families should dig deeper for guidance when they look for the right college or university,” says Leon Washington, dean of admissions and financial aid. “Visit our campus; schedule a tour; speak with our faculty, students, and alumni; spend time in the neighborhood; and explore the amazing work happening here at Lehigh.”
To aid in their decision-making, Lehigh provides prospective undergraduate students and their families a wealth of information as they determine the best school for their individual needs. Information on Lehigh’s academics, resources, campus life, and scholarship and financial aid offerings are available through the university’s institutional profile.
Visitors can also watch and listen as current students discuss their personal Lehigh experience through online videos and podcasts.
-- Tricia Long