Lehigh University Scholarships (2026–2027) | Costs, Merit Aid & Honors

Lehigh University Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and average family net price
  • Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
  • Flagship and hidden-gem awards
  • Honors and stacking strategy

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~36%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 30-34
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1380-1490
  • Average GPA: 3.85
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)

  • Below the typical ranges: This is a reach. Strong essays, meaningful activities, and a clear academic direction (especially for business or engineering) are critical.
  • In the typical ranges: You’re competitive, but Lehigh is selective. Fit, rigor of coursework, and application quality matter just as much as stats.
  • Well above the ranges: Admission chances improve, but major merit awards are still highly competitive—don’t assume strong numbers will translate into big scholarships.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌 Lehigh University at a Glance

🏆 Full tuition available (Founders’ & Trustees’ Scholarships & Soaring Together Scholarship Program)
Average Net Price
$33,549/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$25,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
12 opportunities
5 automatic · 1 competitive · 6 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Jan 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Founders’ & Trustees’ Scholarships & Soaring Together Scholarship Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Lehigh University (Read This First)

  • CSS Profile is required for institutional aid: Missing it can significantly reduce your financial aid eligibility—even if your FAFSA shows need.
  • Merit is concentrated at the top: The biggest awards (including full-tuition/ride) go to a small group of top applicants, not the average admitted student.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes — Lehigh University is test-optional.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30-34; SAT: 1380-1490.

Average net price? About $33,549/yearyear after aid.

Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.


💰 Cost of Attendance at Lehigh University 2026-2027

📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Category (2026–2027) In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) $66,810 $66,810
Housing & Meals (typical) $18,180 $18,180
Total (Direct Costs) $84,990 $84,990

Average Federal Net Price: $33,549 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.

📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options

Lehigh is a private university that charges a single tuition rate for all undergraduates regardless of residency; no state-based reciprocity or nonresident waivers are listed, and tuition and required fees are published separately with housing and meals as distinct COA components.

🎯 How Outside Scholarships Usually Apply at Lehigh (Plain English)

Many parents assume outside scholarships will automatically reduce the Lehigh bill dollar-for-dollar. At most private “meet need” schools, that’s not how it works.

  1. First, outside scholarships typically fill any unmet need in the package.
  2. Next, they often replace loans and/or work-study.
  3. Only after that do they reduce institutional grants (and total gift aid can’t exceed cost of attendance).

CRP takeaway: Outside scholarships are still worth pursuing — just don’t plan on them being a guaranteed “bill reducer” unless Lehigh confirms how they apply them.

CSS Profile Required for Financial Aid

Lehigh University requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to award institutional need-based financial aid. This form digs deeper into family finances and is a major factor in determining grants at private colleges.

Missing the CSS Profile can mean missing out on tens of thousands of dollars in Lehigh grant aid — even if you qualify on paper.

👉 What Is the CSS Profile? A Simple Guide for Parents →

FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Lehigh University

Why are in-state and out-of-state costs identical?
Because Lehigh is private. Public universities often discount tuition for residents (supported by state taxes), but private colleges generally charge one published rate for everyone.

What’s included in “Tuition & Mandatory Fees” here?
This line reflects the tuition and required university fees used in Lehigh’s published on-campus Cost of Attendance for 2025–2026. Some fees can vary slightly by college/program (and first-year students may see one-time orientation costs), but the total billed estimate is designed to represent a typical full-time student.

Why does Lehigh list other expenses if they aren’t billed?
Federal financial aid rules require schools to include estimated indirect costs (like books and transportation) in the Cost of Attendance because they affect how much aid a student can receive—even if you don’t pay those expenses directly to the university.

Is the $33,549 net price what we should expect to pay?
It’s a real federal average, but not a prediction for your family. Net price can be much lower for students who qualify for strong need-based aid (and sometimes merit), and much higher for families who don’t qualify for institutional grants. Always run the Net Price Calculator to get a better estimate.

Do out-of-state students have any special discount programs (WUE/MSEP/ACM/NEBHE)?
Not in the way public universities do. Since Lehigh uses one tuition rate for all students, regional tuition exchanges and reciprocity programs generally don’t apply here.

What’s the smartest way to reduce cost at Lehigh?
Focus on (1) maximizing eligibility for institutional need-based aid (file financial aid forms early), (2) aiming for merit where available, and (3) stacking outside scholarships when allowed. On private-college pricing, the “sticker” number matters less than your final net price.

Sources:
https://catalog.lehigh.edu/informationofgeneralinterest/costofattendance/
https://financeadmin.lehigh.edu/content/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/institutionprofile.aspx?unitId=213543
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/reported-data/213543

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Lehigh University

Superscore-Friendly: Lehigh is test-optional and superscores both ACT and SAT for admission review. Merit scholarships are awarded from the same admission file.
Merit reality check: At Lehigh, meaningful merit is usually reserved for students at the very top of the admitted pool. Many strong admits receive modest merit and rely primarily on need-based grant aid to make the price workable.
Automatic
Alice P. Gast Women in STEM Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Admission deadline  ·  📢 Results: Typically included with admission and financial aid notification.
✓ Renews
$12,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
May be awarded in addition to other Lehigh merit and need-based aid when applicable.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving women admitted to STEM majors who maintain enrollment in a STEM field.
Automatic
Athletic Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Sport-specific, coordinated by coaching staff.
✓ Renews
Varies
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Varies by sport and NCAA limits. winners/yr

💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts and availability vary by sport and year; awards are coach-driven and subject to NCAA rules.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Recruited student-athletes selected by coaches who meet NCAA and institutional standards.
Automatic
Dean’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Admission deadline  ·  📢 Results: Included with admission decision notification.
✓ Renews
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Merit scholarships are packaged alongside institutional need-based grants when applicable.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving admitted students with strong academic performance and leadership.
Full TuitionAutomatic
Founders’ & Trustees’ Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Admission deadline  ·  📢 Results: Included with admission decision notification.
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠  Top applicants are automatically considered for Founder’s (full‑tuition) and Trustees’ (half‑tuition) scholarships; Founder’s covers full Lehigh tuition
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Can be packaged with institutional need-based grant aid; represents Lehigh’s most competitive merit awards.

💡
Strategic Detail
Described as half to full tuition in CRP table; Lehigh labels these as its most prestigious merit awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students at the very top of the admitted pool with exceptional academic credentials.
Automatic
Lehigh Merit / National Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Admission deadline and National Merit first-choice deadlines
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Awarded on top of other institutional aid for eligible National Merit Finalists.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Enrolling National Merit Finalists who designate Lehigh as their first-choice institution.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.

FAQ — Automatic Merit at Lehigh University

Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. The scholarships listed above are awarded automatically based on the admission application. Competitive, program-based awards are covered separately.

When are merit decisions released?
Automatic merit scholarships are typically included in the admission decision notification.

Does Lehigh superscore test results?
Yes. Lehigh allows superscored ACT and SAT results for admission review, which is the same file used to award automatic merit.

Can merit scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Yes. Lehigh packages merit scholarships alongside institutional need-based grants when applicable.

Sources:
https://www2.lehigh.edu/admissions/tuition-affording-college/merit-scholarships
https://catalog.lehigh.edu/informationofgeneralinterest/financialaid/sourcesofuniversityaid/

🏆 Flagship & Competitive Scholarships at Lehigh University

These are Lehigh’s highest-impact, competitive scholarships. They typically involve separate applications, cohort selection, or additional review beyond the standard admission file.

Full TuitionApp Requiredidentity_based
Soaring Together Scholarship Program
📅 Deadline: February 1, 2026 for Class of 2030 applicants; by invitation after admission.  ·  📢 Results: Late March alongside Regular Decision admission decisions.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠  A small cohort of students committed to advancing gender equity receive four‑year full‑tuition scholarships plus special mentoring and experiential opportunities
👥 ~Small cohort selected each year. winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Full-tuition merit scholarship that is packaged alongside financial aid; Lehigh Commitment grants may cover remaining tuition if applicable.

📄
How to Apply
After being admitted to Lehigh, submit the Soaring Together Scholarship Program application with a short response about gender equity by the stated program deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and a strong, demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equity.
✎ Essays

💡
Strategic Detail
Program provides full-tuition merit scholarships plus experiential learning, alumni support, and career development in celebration of 50 years of Lehigh women and coeducation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A small cohort of top admitted students with strong academics, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equity.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.

FAQ — Flagship & Competitive Scholarships at Lehigh

How is a flagship scholarship different from automatic merit?
Automatic merit is awarded directly from the admission file with no extra steps. Flagship scholarships like Soaring Together require an additional application or prompt and are awarded to a much smaller, highly selected group.

Do I have to be admitted before applying?
Yes. Students must first be admitted to Lehigh before being invited to apply for the Soaring Together Scholarship Program.

Is Soaring Together need-based or merit-based?
It is a merit-based program with a leadership and mission focus, though it is packaged alongside financial aid.

How competitive is this program?
Very. Only a small cohort is selected each year from among Lehigh’s strongest admitted applicants.

If I’m not selected, can I still receive other scholarships?
Yes. Students not chosen for flagship programs can still receive automatic merit, need-based aid, and additional departmental or participation-based awards covered in later sections.

Sources:
https://www2.lehigh.edu/admissions/tuition-affording-college/soaring-together-scholarship-program
https://www2.lehigh.edu/admissions/tuition-affording-college/merit-scholarships

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at Lehigh University

These scholarships don’t always show up in headline searches, but they can provide meaningful financial value if your student has the right talent, background, or affiliation. Most require auditions, participation, or specific credentials.

App Required
Army ROTC Leadership Award (Room & Board Supplement)
📅 Deadline: ROTC process and scholarship timelines.
✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Supplement amount depends on ROTC scholarship status and program rules; packaged with ROTC benefits and institutional aid subject to cost-of-attendance limits.

📄
How to Apply
Enroll in Army ROTC and complete the ROTC scholarship/selection process; eligible cadets may receive a Lehigh room and board supplement coordinated with ROTC benefits.
Selection criteria: Selection through Army ROTC processes emphasizing leadership, military potential, and academic standing.

💡
Strategic Detail
Catalog lists ROTC-related room and board supplements as institutional support layered on top of ROTC scholarships; amounts vary and depend on ROTC selection and continued standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Army ROTC cadets at Lehigh selected for additional leadership-based room and board support.
App Required
Cutler–Sametz Choral Arts Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Initial application typically due in mid-January; follow Lehigh Choral Arts scholarship timeline.
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA👥 ~Several merit scholarships available each year. winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Merit award that can be packaged with other Lehigh merit and need-based aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.

📄
How to Apply
Submit a choral arts scholarship application and complete the required vocal audition by the Lehigh Choral Arts scholarship timeline.
Selection criteria: Selection based on exceptional vocal talent and commitment to participation in Lehigh choral ensembles.

💡
Strategic Detail
Lehigh music and choral arts sites describe the award as $5,000 per academic year, renewable up to eight semesters with participation in University Choir and another choral ensemble; CRP notes free voice lessons as part of the package.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented incoming singers who successfully audition and participate in University Choir plus at least one additional choral ensemble.
App Required
Performing Arts Scholarships (Music)
📅 Deadline: Music department scholarship and audition timeline.
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA

Stacking & Combining
Performing arts awards generally stack with other Lehigh merit and need-based aid unless total gift aid exceeds cost of attendance.

📄
How to Apply
Submit a music scholarship application and complete an audition; commit to participation in at least two instrumental ensembles as required by the music department.
Selection criteria: Selection based on musical ability, audition performance, and commitment to Lehigh instrumental ensembles.

💡
Strategic Detail
Music scholarships page indicates merit-based awards of $5,000 per academic year with ensemble participation and minimum GPA expectations.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong instrumentalists, from any major, who audition successfully and commit to active participation in required ensembles.
App Required
Performing Arts Scholarships (Theatre)
📅 Deadline: Theatre department scholarship timeline.
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA

Stacking & Combining
Departmental theatre awards typically stack with Lehigh merit and need-based aid unless total aid exceeds cost of attendance.

📄
How to Apply
Submit the electronic theatre scholarship application packet, including cover letter, résumé, and recommendation, and remain actively involved in theatre productions.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of theatre experience, application materials, recommendations, and anticipated contribution to the theatre program.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec

💡
Strategic Detail
Theatre scholarship page describes departmental awards for students who remain active in productions and in good academic standing; CRP lists a typical value of $3,000 per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who demonstrate strong theatre skills and commit to ongoing participation in Lehigh theatre productions.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Transfer admission deadline.
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 Transfer

Stacking & Combining
Awarded above and beyond any need-based financial aid and generally stacks with other institutional aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.

💡
Strategic Detail
Lehigh merit page specifies a $10,000 per academic year scholarship for admitted transfer students who are PTK members, renewable with 2.8 minimum GPA and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving community college transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and enroll full-time at Lehigh.
App Required
Snyder Family Marching Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Program-specific, typically aligned with music department and Marching 97 timelines.
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA

Stacking & Combining
Merit award for Marching 97 participation that can stack with other Lehigh merit and need-based aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.

📄
How to Apply
Apply or register as an incoming instrumental musician for The Marching 97 and complete any required music materials or audition by the music department’s timeline.
Selection criteria: Selection based on musical talent, leadership potential, and ensemble needs of The Marching 97.

💡
Strategic Detail
Music department notes awards start at $1,500 per academic year and increase annually, renewable up to eight semesters with full-time enrollment, Marching 97 membership, and a minimum 2.8 GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming and continuing student instrumental musicians who commit to multiple years with The Marching 97 and maintain required GPA and participation.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.

*ROTC-related supplements can vary based on ROTC scholarship status and program-specific rules.

FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at Lehigh

Are these scholarships only for music or theatre majors?
No. Lehigh’s performing arts scholarships are typically open to students in any major as long as they audition and commit to active participation in ensembles or productions.

Do these scholarships stack with Lehigh merit or need-based aid?
In most cases, yes — but total gift aid generally can’t exceed cost of attendance. If outside scholarships or departmental awards push a student over the limit, the financial aid office may adjust other parts of the package.

What’s the “catch” with performing arts scholarships?
They’re not free money with no strings attached. Students usually need to keep participating each year (ensembles, rehearsals, productions), and some awards include minimum GPA expectations.

If my student is a transfer, is PTK worth mentioning?
Yes. If your student is a Phi Theta Kappa member, Lehigh lists a dedicated transfer scholarship — and it can be one of the cleanest “stackable” discounts for community college transfers.

How early should students start on these?
As early as possible after applying — departments often run auditions and application timelines that don’t match standard admission deadlines.

Sources:
https://www2.lehigh.edu/admissions/tuition-affording-college/merit-scholarships
https://music.cas.lehigh.edu/content/music-scholarships
https://choralarts.lehigh.edu/student-audition-information/lehigh-choral-arts-scholarships
https://theatre.cas.lehigh.edu/program/scholarships
https://catalog.lehigh.edu/informationofgeneralinterest/financialaid/sourcesofuniversityaid/

🎖 Honors & Scholars Programs at Lehigh University

Lehigh does not operate a single, centralized Honors College with its own scholarship pool. Instead, it offers selective, honors-style scholars programs that focus on academic enrichment, faculty mentorship, and curricular flexibility rather than guaranteed additional merit aid.

What to know up front
  • Admission to scholars programs is competitive and cohort-based.
  • Programs emphasize research, advising, and academic freedom.
  • There is no clearly defined, honors-only tuition scholarship separate from Lehigh’s general merit awards.

This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.

Eckardt Scholars Program (College of Arts & Sciences)

Lehigh’s most prominent honors-style offering is the Eckardt Scholars Program in the College of Arts & Sciences. It is designed for students who want significant academic flexibility, close faculty engagement, and an individualized curriculum.

  • Small, selective cohort within the College of Arts & Sciences
  • Freedom to design interdisciplinary academic paths
  • Strong emphasis on research, discussion-based learning, and mentorship
  • Separate application and selection process
Important for families: While Eckardt Scholars may receive merit or need-based aid as part of their overall financial aid package, Lehigh does not publish a dedicated Eckardt-only scholarship amount. Selection into the program itself is the primary benefit.

FAQ — Honors & Scholars at Lehigh University

Does Lehigh have an Honors College?
Not in the traditional sense. Lehigh uses scholars programs (like Eckardt) rather than a single campus-wide Honors College.

Do honors programs come with extra scholarship money?
Not automatically. Lehigh does not list a separate honors-only scholarship pool. Any merit or need-based aid is awarded through the standard financial aid process.

Is Eckardt only for Arts & Sciences students?
Yes. The Eckardt Scholars Program is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences and is not open to all colleges.

Is the Eckardt program worth it if there’s no extra money?
For the right student, yes. The value is academic: smaller cohorts, faculty access, research opportunities, and flexibility that can matter for graduate school or competitive career paths.

If my student isn’t selected, are there other enrichment options?
Yes. Many students pursue research, departmental honors, and faculty-led projects outside formal scholars programs.


⭐ College Specialty

Lehigh University is best known for combining the feel of a selective liberal arts college with the resources of a high-powered research university. Families are often drawn to Lehigh for its strong engineering and business outcomes, but what really sets it apart is how early undergraduates are pushed into real-world problem solving, research, and leadership—often side by side with faculty.

🚀 Lehigh “5th Year” Upside (For Certain High-Achieving Students)

Lehigh is known for ambitious interdisciplinary tracks (like engineering + business combinations) where finishing in four years can be tight. In some cases, students may have access to a tuition-free 5th year opportunity through select programs tied to strong academic performance.

Important: This is a powerful bonus for the right student — not something every family should budget as guaranteed. Always confirm current requirements and eligibility directly with Lehigh.

Nationally Recognized Strength:
Engineering & Applied Sciences — Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering is nationally respected for hands-on engineering education, undergraduate research access, and industry-aligned programs. Students frequently engage in design projects, research labs, and cross-disciplinary work well before senior year.
  • Business & Entrepreneurship: The College of Business is known for integrating analytics, entrepreneurship, and real-world consulting projects, with strong placement into finance, consulting, and corporate roles.
  • Computer Science & Data-Focused Fields: CS is a fast-growing strength at Lehigh, especially where it overlaps with engineering, business analytics, and applied research.
  • Undergraduate Research: Lehigh places unusual emphasis on faculty–student research collaboration, even for first- and second-year students—an advantage for students considering graduate school or research-heavy careers.
  • Interdisciplinary Programs: Lehigh encourages students to combine engineering, business, and liberal arts perspectives, particularly in areas like health, sustainability, and technology-driven problem solving.

✨ Wrapping It Up

Lehigh University is a private, selective university where affordability depends less on residency and more on how your student fits Lehigh’s merit + need-based aid ecosystem. Many merit awards are decided during the admission review, but the biggest savings often come from stacking institutional aid with strong financial aid paperwork (especially for families who qualify).

Because Lehigh charges one tuition rate for all undergraduates, you don’t get the in-state advantage that public universities offer. That means your real strategy is understanding what’s truly automatic (merit decided from the admission file), what’s competitive (like flagship cohort programs), and what’s “hidden gem” money tied to things like music, theatre, ROTC, or transfer credentials.

If Lehigh is on your list, the smartest move isn’t guessing what the package will look like — it’s comparing Lehigh side-by-side with other private schools and seeing where your student’s academics (and activities) unlock the most value.

One parent-guidance note (because families compare these schools):

If your student is also looking at Lafayette, Bucknell, or Villanova, the biggest difference isn’t just academics — it’s the aid pattern. Lehigh is larger and more research-active than Lafayette, often feels more “university-scale” than Bucknell, and families sometimes see different grant/merit mixes here than at peer privates. That’s why your Net Price Calculator result (plus any merit in the admission letter) matters more than averages.

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