Campus Closeup: Lehigh University

Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem PA, is a medium-sized institution, combining the best of both worlds – the resources, programs, and opportunities of a larger university with the smaller, more intimate feel of a liberal arts college.  Programs of study are organized into 3 undergraduate colleges: Business/Economics, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences.  The hilly campus provides beautiful views of the town of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley below. 

Lehigh University’s scenic campus is situated in the 3^rd largest metropolitan area of Pennsylvania, which comprises the towns of Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton.  Once a thriving steel town, the area surrounding campus now shows some wear and tear, but a number of restaurants and shops can be found nearby.  Events like First Friday in Bethlehem draw students into town.  In any event, everything a student could possibly need can be found right on campus. 

Speaking of Lehigh’s campus, its Gothic architecture, meticulously maintained grounds, and church bells chiming in the background surely reduce the desire to ever leave.  Some prospective students fear those hills, but campus residents say they are easy to get used to, and actually prevent freshmen from gaining the dreaded 15.  For those who are still concerned, a shuttle is available to take students up or down the mountain.

The 4,766 undergraduate students at Lehigh appear to be fit, athletic, clean, and preppy. Over one-third of the student body participates in the Greek system, although many social opportunities abound.  For example, every Friday and Saturday evening, there is a Movie Night with free popcorn.  Typically, the featured film is a movie that is no longer appearing in theatres but not yet available on DVD.  Intramural, club, and varsity sports are popular.  The Lehigh Mountain Hawks compete at the Division I level in the Patriot League, and there is a long-standing rivalry with Lafayette College.  The school fields 20 varsity teams.  The wrestling team is usually nationally ranked, and the football and basketball teams have enjoyed much success in recent years.  Students come from all 50 states and 51 different countries.

Many Lehigh students are career-oriented, and Lehigh proudly boasts that the average earnings of its graduates is right up there with the Ivy League schools.  Graduates experience an 88% admission rate to medical school, and an 87% admission rate to law school.  96% of graduates are employed, attending graduate school, or enrolled in the military within 6 months of graduation.

Housing is guaranteed for freshmen and sophomores.  All freshmen live together in dormitories, mostly in double occupancy rooms. Fun Fact: At Lehigh, resident advisors are called “griffins” rather than RAs.  Most juniors and seniors choose to go off campus or live in fraternity/sorority houses.  Off-campus housing may be found within the 3-4 block radius surrounding campus. However, if an upperclassman really wants to live on campus, he or she is usually able to do so.

As far as academics, Lehigh offers 90 undergraduate programs and majors.  Students apply to a particular college, but can transfer within the university at a later date.  The engineering school is the most selective.  As a result, it is most difficult to transfer into engineering; therefore, students are advised to apply to engineering if there is any chance that is what they are interested in studying.

Lehigh offers a number of interesting programs that offer classes across different colleges.  The Integrated Degree in Business and Engineering (IBE) Honors College is a rigorous program that accepts about 50 students per year.  The Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS) program is an interdisciplinary honors program that accepts about 25 students per year. The South Mountain College is a residential academic program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

At Lehigh, there are additional unique opportunities for interdisciplinary work:  the Integrated Product Development program (IPD) and the Computer Science and Business Program (CSB).  The IPD brings together students from a variety of disciplines including engineering, business, and the arts, to work on projects sponsored by outside companies.  The CSB Program enables students to receive a BS Degree in Computer Science and Business.  The Arts and Engineering program is a 5-year course of study which enables students to obtain dual degrees in engineering and another field.

Lehigh offers several opportunities for students to receive a graduate degree.  The Teacher Education program offers students the opportunity to obtain both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in 5 years of study at Lehigh.  In addition, students may apply to one of three accelerated programs:  BA/MD Drexel University, BA/DMD University of Pennsylvania, and a BA/DD SUNY.

The student:faculty ratio at Lehigh is 10:1, and 72% of the classes have less than 30 students.  All freshmen are required to take English 1 and English 2.  Engineering students take an introductory class that exposes them to all areas of engineering.  Business students are required to take Business 1 and Business 2 freshman year to introduce them to the various areas they might study. 

Lehigh University utilizes the Common Application, requires SAT or ACT test scores (which are both superscored), official high school transcript, a guidance counselor recommendation, and one teacher recommendation.  Interviews are recommended, especially to show a student’s interest in attending Lehigh, and are informative.  Subject Tests are not considered for purposes of admission, but a 790 or higher on Chemistry will result in course credit.  Admission is very selective with a 33% acceptance rate.  The median scores of admitted students are as follows: 610-710 (SAT Critical Reading), 660-750 (SAT Math), 29-32 (ACT).  Lehigh does not consider the writing portion of either the SAT or the ACT.  However, the application essay is considered very important. 

Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are required in order to apply for financial aid.  The University meets 96% of financial need, with a larger proportion of aid given as grants than loans.  52% of students had 100% of their financial need met. 

With a freshmen retention rate of 96%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 88%, Lehigh students are happy and successful.  It’s no surprise, given the amazing facilities, picturesque campus, and numerous practical programs of study to choose from.