Lehigh University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Lehigh University is very selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (58.5%). Graduates of Lehigh University earn $1,617 more per year at the 10-year mark ($95,033 vs $93,416). For families earning $48k–$75k, Lehigh University is more affordable at $19,026 net price vs $29,788. Students at Lehigh University graduate with less debt ($23,000 vs $24,194).
Admissions & Outcomes
Lehigh University has a higher yield rate (28.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1430, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
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), Lehigh University is more affordable at $15,561 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $61,351 vs $43,003.
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. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), 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
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science$92,277
- 2 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians$88,933
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$87,532
- 4 Industrial Engineering$77,213
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,460
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
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 4 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
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
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$55,600
- Est. total cost/year$72,966
- 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Lehigh University is more selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, compared to 58.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Lehigh University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $95,033 compared to $93,416. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Lehigh University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Lehigh University has a lower net price at $19,026 per year vs $29,788. 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Lehigh University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.0%, compared to 86.9%. 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
At Lehigh University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $78,552 within two years. At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $92,277. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.