Lehigh vs U of Richmond

Lehigh University and University of Richmond, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Lehigh, situated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 29% compared to Richmond's 34%. While Lehigh's student body is slightly larger, both universities share a vibrant and diverse community. Richmond's campus is nestled in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia, offering a charming blend of urban and suburban living. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into the differences in popular majors, graduation rates, and other key factors that set these two exceptional universities apart, helping you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Lehigh University	University of Richmond
Overview
Location	Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	University of Richmond, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
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%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	46.0%	28.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1325 - 1490	N/A
ACT range	30 - 34	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	36.0%
Students submitting ACT score	18.0%
Total number of applicants	14,107	13,955
Total number of admissions given out	6,485	4,015
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,519	876
Yield rate	23.4%	21.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$74,865	$74,590
Average net price	$31,539	$28,881
Tuition	$56,980	$58,570
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,030 Meal plan: $6,300	Room/dormitory: $6,550 Meal plan: $7,400
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	54.0% Average amount $39,972	61.0% Average amount $43,905
Students receiving federal student loan	41.0% Average amount $4,954	32.0% Average amount $4,957
Students taking out private loans	19.0% Average amount $12,089	4.0% Average amount $29,516

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,451 Men 54.0% Women 46.0%	3,166 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
Graduate students	1,812 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	724 Men 38.5% Women 61.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	81.9%
International students	13.6%	9.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,856	2,875
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics	Legal Profession Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	87.3%	89.2%
Dropout rate	12.4%	10.6%
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	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,711 Year 2: $74,157 Year 3: $88,040 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,385 Year 2: $65,821 Year 3: $83,877 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,362 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $75,249 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $58,083 Year 2: $59,858 Year 3: $73,682 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,179 Year 2: $66,355 Year 3: $73,053 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,668 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $66,820 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $54,058 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $59,253 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,998 Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $57,966 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $40,281 Year 3: $49,992 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,110 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $48,824

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between Lehigh University and the University of Richmond?

Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a mid-sized research university with a strong emphasis on engineering, business, and arts & sciences. It offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning. The University of Richmond, situated in Richmond, Virginia, is a smaller, primarily undergraduate liberal arts university known for its strong sense of community, interdisciplinary approach, and focus on undergraduate education. Richmond also has a highly regarded business school.
Which university is larger, Lehigh or Richmond?

Lehigh University is larger than the University of Richmond. Lehigh has a larger undergraduate and graduate student population, while Richmond is intentionally smaller to maintain a close-knit community and personalized learning environment.
How do the academic focuses of Lehigh and Richmond differ?

Lehigh excels in engineering, business, and related STEM fields, offering a wide range of specialized programs and research opportunities. Richmond is renowned for its strong liberal arts foundation, with notable programs in business, law (through its affiliated law school), and leadership studies. While both offer business programs, Lehigh's is often seen as more technically focused, while Richmond's emphasizes a broader liberal arts perspective.
What is the campus environment like at Lehigh versus Richmond?

Lehigh's campus is located in a small city, offering a mix of campus life and access to urban amenities. The campus has a traditional feel with a mix of historic and modern buildings. Richmond's campus is often described as one of the most beautiful in the country, with Collegiate Gothic architecture and a more secluded, self-contained environment. Richmond fosters a strong sense of community and tradition.
How do the costs of attending Lehigh and Richmond compare?

Both Lehigh and Richmond are private universities with comparable tuition costs. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on financial aid packages and individual spending habits. It's best to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) after receiving financial aid offers from both institutions.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of Lehigh and Richmond?

Graduates from both universities enjoy strong career prospects. Lehigh graduates are highly sought after in engineering, technology, and finance industries. Richmond graduates excel in fields such as finance, consulting, law, government, and non-profit organizations. Both universities have strong alumni networks that support career development.
How do the athletic programs at Lehigh and Richmond compare?

Both Lehigh and Richmond have strong athletic programs. Lehigh competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Patriot League, with a strong wrestling program. Richmond competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference (for most sports) and the Colonial Athletic Association (for football). Richmond is known for its basketball and football programs.
What is the student culture like at Lehigh and Richmond?

Lehigh's student culture is characterized by a strong work ethic, a focus on academics, and a vibrant Greek life. Richmond's student culture is known for its emphasis on community engagement, leadership development, and a strong sense of school spirit. Richmond students are often described as more preppy and politically engaged, while Lehigh students are seen as more focused on academics and career preparation.
Which university is better for students interested in research?

Lehigh University, as a research university, offers more extensive research opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. While Richmond also provides research opportunities, especially for undergraduates, Lehigh's research infrastructure and funding are generally more substantial.
How do the locations of Lehigh and Richmond impact the student experience?

Lehigh's location in Bethlehem, PA, provides a balance between a college-town atmosphere and access to larger cities like Philadelphia and New York City. Richmond's location in Richmond, VA, offers a vibrant urban environment with a rich history and cultural scene. Richmond is the state capital of Virginia, providing opportunities for internships and engagement with state government.
What are the key similarities between Lehigh University and the University of Richmond?

Both Lehigh and Richmond are highly regarded private universities that offer a rigorous academic experience and a strong sense of community. They both attract ambitious students and provide excellent career preparation. Both universities also emphasize leadership development and offer a variety of extracurricular activities.
Which school is better for someone interested in a smaller, more intimate learning environment?

The University of Richmond is generally better for students seeking a smaller, more intimate learning environment. Its smaller class sizes and lower student-to-faculty ratio foster closer relationships between students and professors.

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