Lehigh vs Elon University

Lehigh University and Elon University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Lehigh, a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, boasts a lower acceptance rate (24%) compared to Elon's 67%. Lehigh's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 13% of the population, while Elon's international student population stands at 5%. Lehigh's popular majors include engineering, business, and the humanities, while Elon's strengths lie in communications, business, and education. Lehigh's graduation rate is slightly higher at 88% compared to Elon's 85%. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more differences and similarities between these two exceptional universities and make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Elon University logo

Elon University

Lehigh University logo

Lehigh University

Overview

Location Elon, North Carolina Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Campus setting Suburb: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system 4-1-4 Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 88.0% 94.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 77.7% 46.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
SAT range N/A 1325 - 1490
ACT range N/A 30 - 34
Students submitting SAT score 36.0%
Students submitting ACT score 18.0%
Total number of applicants 17,834 14,107
Total number of admissions given out 13,859 6,485
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,591 1,519
Yield rate 11.5% 23.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $55,647 $74,865
Average net price $40,366 $31,539
Tuition $38,218 $56,980
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,593

Meal plan: $6,829
Room/dormitory: $9,030

Meal plan: $6,300
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

67.0%
Average amount $13,677
54.0%
Average amount $39,972
Students receiving federal student loan 30.0%
Average amount $5,259
41.0%
Average amount $4,954
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $25,192
19.0%
Average amount $12,089

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,302
Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
5,451
Men 54.0% Women 46.0%
Graduate students 825
Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
1,812
Men 53.1% Women 46.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students 80.6% N/A
International students 2.0% 13.6%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 4,192 2,856
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from North Carolina New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 10:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 83.3% 87.3%
Dropout rate 16.7% 12.4%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,556
  • Year 2: $104,061
  • Year 3: $105,320
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,803
  • Year 2: $71,854
  • Year 3: $78,720
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,320
  • Year 2: $60,016
  • Year 3: $77,567
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,276
  • Year 2: $54,192
  • Year 3: $77,220
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,564
  • Year 2: $62,154
  • Year 3: $76,604
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,888
  • Year 2: $69,629
  • Year 3: $70,208
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,091
  • Year 2: $50,022
  • Year 3: $64,255
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $44,189
  • Year 3: $59,817
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,293
  • Year 2: $36,674
  • Year 3: $58,053
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $44,055
  • Year 3: $55,617
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,409
  • Year 2: $74,142
  • Year 3: $96,587
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,252
  • Year 2: $78,552
  • Year 3: $94,991
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,434
  • Year 2: $81,491
  • Year 3: $93,797
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,418
  • Year 2: $73,446
  • Year 3: $87,192
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,069
  • Year 2: $75,623
  • Year 3: $86,603
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,293
  • Year 2: $74,200
  • Year 3: $86,360
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,520
  • Year 2: $70,324
  • Year 3: $83,095
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,490
  • Year 2: $71,351
  • Year 3: $82,322
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,444
  • Year 2: $72,325
  • Year 3: $80,631
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,497
  • Year 2: $69,710
  • Year 3: $80,502

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in academic focus between Lehigh University and Elon University?

    Lehigh University is known for its strong engineering, business, and arts and sciences programs, with a particular emphasis on research and graduate studies. Elon University, on the other hand, is recognized for its experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research, with a focus on communications, business, and the arts.

  • How does the campus environment differ between Lehigh and Elon?

    Lehigh University has a more traditional, hilly campus located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a blend of historic and modern architecture. Elon University boasts a more modern and aesthetically pleasing campus in Elon, North Carolina, known for its beautiful landscaping and emphasis on community spaces.

  • What are the typical class sizes at Lehigh and Elon?

    Both Lehigh and Elon offer relatively small class sizes, fostering a more personalized learning environment. However, Elon generally has slightly smaller average class sizes, particularly in introductory courses, leading to more direct interaction with professors.

  • How do the career services at Lehigh and Elon compare?

    Both universities provide robust career services. Lehigh's career services often leverage its strong connections with engineering and business industries, particularly in the Northeast. Elon's career services are highly regarded for their focus on career preparation, networking, and internship placement, with a strong national reach and emphasis on experiential learning.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Lehigh and Elon?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable at both universities. However, specific financial aid packages and scholarships can vary significantly. It's recommended to check the individual university's financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and to compare your personalized aid offers.

  • How do the student populations at Lehigh and Elon differ?

    Lehigh University has a more diverse student body, with a significant representation of students from various geographic locations and backgrounds. Elon University has a more homogenous student body, with a strong emphasis on a sense of community and school spirit.

  • What are the strengths of the Greek life systems at Lehigh and Elon?

    Greek life is present at both universities. At Lehigh, Greek life is a significant part of the social scene, with a strong presence on campus. Elon also has a vibrant Greek life, known for its community involvement and social activities, though it may not be as dominant as at Lehigh.

  • How do the research opportunities compare at Lehigh and Elon?

    Lehigh University offers more extensive research opportunities, particularly in STEM fields, due to its focus on graduate studies and research-intensive programs. Elon University provides undergraduate research opportunities, but the scope and scale are generally smaller compared to Lehigh.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Lehigh and Elon?

    Lehigh University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Patriot League, with a strong tradition in wrestling and football. Elon University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), with a growing reputation in several sports, including football and basketball.

  • Which university is better for students interested in studying abroad?

    Elon University is widely recognized for its exceptional study abroad programs, with a high percentage of students participating. While Lehigh also offers study abroad opportunities, Elon's programs are more integrated into the curriculum and are a central part of the student experience.

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