Lehigh University's published cost of attendance reaches $77,515 per year, including $62,180 in tuition, $16,470 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $33,549 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,966 through institutional and federal aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $80,856 |
| Tuition and Fees | $64,980 |
| Room and Board | $17,220 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$43,925 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $36,931 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $16,917 |
| $30–48k | $17,140 |
| $48–75k | $18,722 |
| $75–110k | $22,184 |
| $110k+ | $48,751 |
Lehigh University's published cost of attendance reaches $77,515 per year, including $62,180 in tuition, $16,470 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $33,549 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,966 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price positions Lehigh $6,406 higher than the peer median of $27,143, reflecting the premium pricing typical of selective private institutions with strong post-graduation outcomes.
The gap between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates substantial financial aid distribution, though net costs remain elevated compared to most peer institutions. Financial aid reduces total costs by 57%, indicating meaningful institutional investment in making education accessible despite high published prices. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $15,440 for families earning under $30,000 to $50,046 for those earning over $110,000, creating a $34,606 spread that reflects progressive aid distribution.
Lehigh's financial aid profile reflects the institution's commitment to selective access alongside premium pricing. With 17.8% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution enrolls moderate numbers of lower-income students compared to public institutions but typical levels for selective private universities.
The $43,966 average financial aid savings indicates substantial institutional resources devoted to closing the gap between published and actual costs. Net price progression across income tiers demonstrates targeted aid strategy that provides significant support for families earning under $75,000 while expecting increasing contributions from higher-income households.
The financial aid structure enables enrollment of students from diverse economic backgrounds despite high sticker prices, though the moderate Pell share suggests cost barriers remain significant for many lower-income families. Aid distribution appears designed to balance access goals with revenue requirements necessary to support small class sizes, faculty-student ratios, and campus resources that contribute to exceptional post-graduation outcomes.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Lehigh graduates carry median debt of $21,960, which falls $2,221 below the peer median of $24,181, indicating controlled borrowing despite higher net prices. Debt levels span from $12,550 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the $14,450 range in borrowing patterns across different student financial situations.
The debt-to-earnings ratio reaches 0.21, meaning graduates typically dedicate about 21% of annual earnings to debt service, well within sustainable ranges for long-term financial health. Parent PLUS loans average $33,988 with monthly payments of $448, indicating additional family borrowing to bridge gaps between aid and costs.
The combination of below-peer debt levels with exceptional earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. Graduates earning $105,584 can typically manage $21,960 in debt without compromising other financial goals, particularly given the strong earnings trajectory that continues improving over time.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Lehigh represents a premium educational investment that delivers exceptional returns through substantially higher earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $13,481 beyond expectations at the 89.7th percentile nationally, indicating strong educational value creation relative to student demographics and program characteristics.
Median earnings of $105,584 rank at the 99.0th percentile, placing Lehigh among the top 1% of institutions for long-term graduate income. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $42,518 more annually while carrying $2,221 less debt, creating a compelling return profile that justifies higher upfront costs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 remains well within manageable ranges, allowing graduates to service educational debt while building wealth over time. Higher net prices reflect the premium positioning and exceptional outcomes that attract students willing to invest more for substantially better career prospects.
