Lehigh University vs West Coast University-Ontario
Lehigh University is very selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than West Coast University-Ontario (88.1%). Graduates of West Coast University-Ontario earn $2,338 more per year at the 10-year mark ($97,371 vs $95,033). Students at Lehigh University graduate with less debt ($23,000 vs $33,319).
Admissions & Outcomes
West Coast University-Ontario has a higher yield rate (56.8%), 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), Lehigh University is more affordable at $15,561 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $61,351 vs $50,578.
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. West Coast University-Ontario enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (50%), 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
West Coast University-Ontario
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$82,415
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
West Coast University-Ontario
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
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
West Coast University-Ontario
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$34,060
- 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. 0
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or West Coast University-Ontario?
Lehigh University is more selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, compared to 88.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Lehigh University or West Coast University-Ontario?
West Coast University-Ontario graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $97,371 compared to $95,033. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
What is the graduation rate at Lehigh University vs West Coast University-Ontario?
Lehigh University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.0%, compared to 72.7%. 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 West Coast University-Ontario?
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 West Coast University-Ontario?
At Lehigh University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $78,552 within two years. At West Coast University-Ontario, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $82,415. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.