Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Lehigh University vary significantly by field of study, with business and engineering disciplines showing particularly strong earnings performance. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than institutional reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 23 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across national rankings, earnings outcomes, and enrollment scale.
#5 nationally
$102K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Lehigh University.
Engineering programs deliver consistently strong outcomes with Industrial Engineering leading at #7 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania. Computer Science ranks #68 nationally while producing high-earning graduates at $106,799.
Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering provide solid technical foundations with strong employment outcomes. These programs benefit from Lehigh's proximity to major metropolitan areas and established industry partnerships.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #62 | $106,799★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using federal College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education. Rankings compare outcomes against all similar programs nationwide, providing objective measures of career preparation effectiveness. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported figures. Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to identify programs delivering the strongest overall return on investment for students.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
recent graduates
| — |
| 108 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #46 | $102,472 | — | 24 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #7 | $99,291 | — | 80 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #59 | $96,912 | — | 28 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #57 | $94,982 | — | 52 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #67 | $93,093 | — | 22 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #46 | $88,912 | — | 101 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #41 | $84,975 | — | 56 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #74 | $81,375 | — | 33 |
| Materials Engineering. | #20 | $74,200 | — | 26 |
Business programs at Lehigh rank among the strongest nationally, with Banking and Financial Support Services achieving #5 nationally and the largest enrollment at 221 graduates. Multiple programs including Digital Marketing (#4 nationally) and Business/Managerial Economics (#3 nationally) demonstrate exceptional value scores above 95.
This concentration of top-ranked business programs reflects Lehigh's reputation among employers and creates strong alumni networks in finance and consulting sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #5 | $107,260★ | $53,632 | 221 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #3 | $101,741 | — | 67 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #6 | $95,363 | — | 77 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #33 | $86,039 | — | 26 |
| Digital Marketing. | #4 | $85,576 | — | 78 |
Biology represents the primary science offering with moderate earnings outcomes typical for pre-health career preparation. While earnings appear lower relative to business and engineering, many biology graduates pursue medical or graduate school rather than immediate workforce entry.
The program provides strong preparation for advanced study in health sciences and research careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroanatomy. | #6 | $69,452★ | — | 28 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #14 | $61,020 | — | 19 |
| Biology, General. | #183 | $52,512 | — | 46 |
Social science programs show strong outcomes for the field, with Psychology ranking #16 nationally and achieving a 95.7 value score despite typical liberal arts earnings patterns. International Relations ranks #12 nationally and American Government ranks #21 nationally, both delivering above-average earnings for humanities-focused programs.
These programs appeal to students pursuing law school, public service, or graduate education pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #21 | $75,918★ | — | 36 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #12 | $74,038 | — | 34 |
| Psychology, General. | #17 | $60,072 | — | 54 |
Broadcast Journalism shows lower earnings outcomes typical for media careers but provides specialized training for students committed to journalism and broadcasting careers. The program's smaller size allows for personalized attention and industry connections, though students should expect earnings patterns consistent with media industry compensation structures.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #100 | $33,993 | — | 29 |
English Language and Literature, General. leads humanities & arts with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | #43 | $49,498 | — | 21 |
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
