Lehigh vs Marquette

Lehigh University and Marquette University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Lehigh, a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, boasts a lower acceptance rate (28%) compared to Marquette's 73%. Lehigh's student body is slightly larger, with an undergraduate population of 4,900 compared to Marquette's 4,300. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Lehigh including engineering, business, and the sciences, while Marquette is known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and communication. While Lehigh has a higher graduation rate (88%) than Marquette's 82%, both universities provide ample opportunities for students to succeed academically and professionally. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about these two exceptional universities and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Lehigh University logo

Lehigh University

Marquette University logo

Marquette University

Overview

Location Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 94.0% 89.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 46.0% 86.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
$50
SAT range 1325 - 1490 1180 - 1360
ACT range 30 - 34 25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 36.0% 13.0%
Students submitting ACT score 18.0% 37.0%
Total number of applicants 14,107 16,270
Total number of admissions given out 6,485 14,034
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,519 1,657
Yield rate 23.4% 11.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $74,865 $65,562
Average net price $31,539 $33,566
Tuition $56,980 $44,970
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,030

Meal plan: $6,300
Room/dormitory: $9,280

Meal plan: $4,860
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

54.0%
Average amount $39,972
100.0%
Average amount $28,052
Students receiving federal student loan 41.0%
Average amount $4,954
45.0%
Average amount $5,497
Students taking out private loans 19.0%
Average amount $12,089
9.0%
Average amount $19,168

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 5,451
Men 54.0% Women 46.0%
7,660
Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students 1,812
Men 53.1% Women 46.9%
3,660
Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 13.6% 3.3%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,856 5,295
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 10:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.3% 81.4%
Dropout rate 12.4% 18.3%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $163,702
  • Year 3: $192,167
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $133,430
  • Year 2: $130,858
  • Year 3: $154,075
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $105,083
  • Year 3: $117,488
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,808
  • Year 2: $105,529
  • Year 3: $110,957
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,780
  • Year 2: $98,506
  • Year 3: $104,475
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,371
  • Year 2: $88,803
  • Year 3: $96,511
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,252
  • Year 2: $87,309
  • Year 3: $95,662
Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $85,078
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,686
  • Year 2: $73,446
  • Year 3: $77,783
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,717
  • Year 2: $63,115
  • Year 3: $75,024

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic strengths of Lehigh University compared to Marquette University?

    Lehigh University is particularly strong in engineering, business, and the sciences, with a notable focus on research and hands-on learning. Marquette University excels in areas like law, nursing, and communication, benefiting from its Jesuit tradition and emphasis on service and ethical leadership. Lehigh's programs often have a more technical focus, while Marquette's may emphasize practical application and social impact.

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

    Lehigh University boasts a beautiful, historic campus nestled in the hills of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The campus is known for its stunning views and strong sense of community. Marquette University is located in an urban setting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, providing students with easy access to city life, internships, and cultural experiences. Lehigh offers a more secluded, traditional college experience, while Marquette provides a more integrated urban experience.

  • What is the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and room and board, at Lehigh versus Marquette?

    The cost of attendance at both Lehigh and Marquette is substantial. However, the exact figures fluctuate annually. Generally, you can expect the total cost to be comparable between the two universities. It's crucial to consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and living expenses. Financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly impact the net cost for individual students at both institutions.

  • How do the student populations and campus cultures compare at Lehigh and Marquette?

    Lehigh University has a slightly smaller student body than Marquette. Lehigh's culture is often described as academically focused with a strong emphasis on Greek life and a vibrant social scene. Marquette, with its Jesuit values, fosters a culture of service, social justice, and community engagement. Both universities have active student organizations and a diverse student body, but their core values and campus environments shape distinct cultural experiences.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Lehigh and Marquette?

    Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Lehigh University's location near major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia provides excellent internship opportunities in various fields, particularly engineering and business. Marquette University's location in Milwaukee and its strong alumni network offer significant opportunities in healthcare, law, and business within the Midwest region. Both universities have strong alumni networks that actively support students in their career pursuits.

  • How does the athletic experience differ at Lehigh and Marquette?

    Lehigh University is a Division I school with a strong tradition in wrestling and football, and a competitive athletic program overall. Marquette University is also a Division I school, known for its basketball program, which has a rich history and passionate fanbase. Both universities offer a wide range of intramural and club sports, providing opportunities for students of all skill levels to participate in athletics.

  • What are the housing options like at Lehigh and Marquette?

    Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Lehigh University's housing is primarily located on campus, fostering a strong sense of community. Marquette University also provides on-campus housing, with some options located closer to the city center. The specific housing options and costs vary, so it's best to check the university websites for detailed information.

  • What is the overall selectivity and admission process like at Lehigh and Marquette?

    Both Lehigh and Marquette are selective universities, requiring strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and compelling application essays. Lehigh generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Marquette, indicating a higher level of selectivity. The admission process at both universities considers a holistic review of each applicant, evaluating academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    Lehigh's location in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a more traditional college town experience with access to outdoor activities and proximity to larger cities like Philadelphia and New York City. Marquette's urban setting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides students with access to a diverse range of cultural events, internships, and job opportunities within a major city. The location significantly influences the social, cultural, and professional opportunities available to students at each university.

  • What are some notable alumni from Lehigh and Marquette?

    Both universities boast impressive alumni networks. Lehigh University alumni include prominent figures in business, engineering, and the arts. Marquette University alumni include leaders in law, medicine, and business, as well as notable figures in sports and entertainment. These alumni networks provide valuable connections and support for current students and graduates.

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