COLLEGE PROFILE
How to Get Into Lehigh in 2026
Engineering and business-focused private with a tight-knit mountaintop campus.
Quick Answer
Lehigh University has a 32% acceptance rate with a middle 50% SAT range of 1310-1470 and average GPA of 3.65. Engineering and business-focused private with a tight-knit mountaintop campus. Founded 1865 in Bethlehem, PA.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance Rate | 32%Very Selective |
| SAT Range (25th-75th) | 1310 - 1470 |
| Average GPA (Unweighted) | 3.65 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 5,620 |
| School Type | Private |
| Location | Bethlehem, PA |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Test Policy | Test-Optional |
| Need-Blind | No |
| Meets 100% Need | No |
Data source: IPEDS College Navigator and institutional Common Data Set (most recent available year). Data lags approximately one year.
What Lehigh Values Most (CDS Data)
Who Gets Into Lehigh: 4 Composite Profiles
These are composite profiles based on publicly available admissions patterns. They do not represent real individuals.
The Academic Powerhouse
Near-perfect GPA and test scores. Strong in STEM or humanities. Multiple AP/IB courses with 5s and 7s. Research experience or independent project.
The Community Builder
Founded or led a significant student organization. Demonstrated measurable community impact. Strong essays connecting service to personal growth.
The Specialized Expert
Deep expertise in one field — national competition winner, published research, or professional-level skill. Clear spike that makes the application memorable.
The Versatile Contributor
Strong across multiple areas without being the best at any single one. Excellent writer who connects diverse experiences into a coherent narrative.
Lehigh Essay Strategy
Lehigh's supplemental essays are your chance to demonstrate genuine fit. The "Why Lehigh?" essay must reference specific programs, professors, courses, or campus resources. Generic essays about prestige or location are immediately recognizable and ineffective.
Read the Lehigh Essay GuideApplication Strategy: ED vs EA vs RD
At 32% acceptance rate, strong applicants have solid chances in any round. Focus on essay quality over application timing.
Read our ED vs EA vs RD strategy guide →Use the Lehigh Fit Worksheet
Score your profile against Lehigh's admissions criteria. See where you stand across 7 dimensions calibrated to real CDS data. Free, no signup required.
Get Your Free Lehigh Fit ScoreFrequently Asked Questions
What is Lehigh's acceptance rate?
Lehigh University's acceptance rate is approximately 32% based on the most recent Common Data Set. This rate can vary by year and by application round (ED, EA, RD).
What SAT score do I need for Lehigh?
The middle 50% SAT range for Lehigh is 1310-1470. Scoring above 1470 does not guarantee admission, and scoring below 1310 does not mean rejection — holistic review considers the full application.
What GPA do I need to get into Lehigh?
The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Lehigh is approximately 3.65. Course rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) matters as much as the GPA number itself.
Does Lehigh have Early Decision?
Check Lehigh's admissions website at lehigh.edu/admissions for the most current information on early application options. Policies can change year to year.
Is Lehigh test-optional?
Yes, Lehigh is currently test-optional. Test policies can change each admissions cycle.
How many students attend Lehigh?
Lehigh University has approximately 5,620 undergraduate students. As a private university, class sizes tend to be smaller.
What is Lehigh known for?
Engineering and business-focused private with a tight-knit mountaintop campus.
More Lehigh Resources
Written by AdmitPath team
Data sourced from IPEDS College Navigator and Lehigh's Common Data Set. CDS publication year noted — data may lag one year.
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