Lehigh University
Bethlehem, United States • Founded 1865 • World Rank #1178
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1865, the Lehigh University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Bethlehem (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.
Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Lehigh University (LU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Lehigh University (LU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 159-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
LU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Lehigh University are summarised below. Cross-check with the official website if you intend to send documents or financial information.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Lehigh University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
Lehigh University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 4 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Education
- P. C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
Programs Offered
Below are Lehigh University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
184 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 65 programmes
Showing 10 of 65.
Master's Degree 58 programmes
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Doctorate 34 programmes
Showing 10 of 34.
Certificate 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
How to apply to Lehigh University
Application guidance for Lehigh University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Lehigh University's 184 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Lehigh University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Lehigh University processes applications through www2.lehigh.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (610) 758 3000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lehigh University
Quick reference for Lehigh University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
How old is Lehigh University?
The institution opened in 1865 (approximately 161 years ago).
Where can I find Lehigh University?
The institution is located in Bethlehem, United States.
What is Lehigh University's control type?
Lehigh University is a private institution.
How many students does Lehigh University have?
The institution has a student body of 6,000-6,999.
Where does Lehigh University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #1178 globally and #176 in United States.
What is Lehigh University's academic structure?
Lehigh University is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Lehigh University accredited?
Yes, Lehigh University is recognised by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What is Lehigh University's official website?
The institution's website is www2.lehigh.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
International student mix at the United States's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Sabbatical exchange agreements among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.
Faculties at nearby universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Lehigh University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Supervision quality at the Liberal Arts programme level is hard to assess externally but affects research output and graduate-school placement. Talk to current students or alumni where possible.
Universities Compared with Lehigh University
Universities at a similar tier to Lehigh University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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