Lehigh University vs Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Lehigh University is very selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Massachusetts Maritime Academy (94.5%). Graduates of Lehigh University earn $3,365 more per year at the 10-year mark ($95,033 vs $91,668). For families earning $48k–$75k, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is more affordable at $12,099 net price vs $19,026. Students at Lehigh University graduate with less debt ($23,000 vs $26,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a higher yield rate (37.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Massachusetts Maritime Academy is more affordable at $6,379 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $61,351 vs $24,835.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Lehigh University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Lehigh University
- 1 Computer Science$78,552
- 2 Industrial Engineering$75,623
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$74,142
- 4 Business/Managerial Economics$73,446
- 5 Computer Engineering$72,231
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- 1 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering$89,968
- 2 Marine Transportation$81,886
- 3 Engineering, Other$73,035
- 4 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other$50,439
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research$50,231
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Lehigh University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Mechanical Engineering
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Psychology, General
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- 1 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- 2 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- 3 Marine Transportation
- 4 International Business
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Lehigh University
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$54,790
- Est. total cost/year$70,000
- School typePublic
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$17,010
- Est. total cost/year$40,159
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Lehigh University is more selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, compared to 94.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Lehigh University or Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $95,033 compared to $91,668. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Lehigh University or Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a lower net price at $12,099 per year vs $19,026. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Lehigh University vs Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Lehigh University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.0%, compared to 84.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Lehigh University or Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Lehigh University has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Lehigh University and Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
At Lehigh University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $78,552 within two years. At Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the top-earning major is Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at $89,968. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.