Lehigh University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Lehigh University is very selective with a 29.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Worcester Polytechnic Institute (58.5%). Graduates of Lehigh University earn $2,114 more per year at the 10-year mark ($105,584 vs $103,470). For families earning $48k–$75k, Lehigh University is more affordable at $19,495 net price vs $32,350. Students at Lehigh University graduate with less debt ($21,960 vs $27,000).
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.
Bethlehem, PA
Worcester, MA
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 $15,440 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $50,046 vs $49,716.
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 and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other$81,812
- 2 Computer Science$78,552
- 3 Industrial Engineering$75,623
- 4 Materials Engineering$74,200
- 5 Chemical Engineering$74,200
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science$95,207
- 2 Engineering, Other$79,688
- 3 Management Information Systems and Services$79,284
- 4 Industrial Engineering$76,460
- 5 Mathematics and Statistics, Other$74,576
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 Marketing
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 4 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation 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
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$53,100
- Est. total cost/year$70,096
- 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.
- With 15% international enrollment, Worcester Polytechnic Institute likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or Worcester 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $105,584 compared to $103,470. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Lehigh University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Lehigh University has a lower net price at $19,495 per year vs $32,350. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Lehigh University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 89.2%, compared to 89.1%. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a larger international student population at 15% 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
At Lehigh University, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other graduates earn a median of $81,812 within two years. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $95,207. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.