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 (College of Health Scholars Program & Founder's & Trustees' Scholarships)
Average Net Price
$33,549/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$25,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
12 opportunities
5 automatic · 2 competitive · 5 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
College of Health Scholars Program & Founder's & Trustees' Scholarships
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/year after aid.

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

💰 Cost of Attendance at Lehigh University 2026-2027

📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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
Athletic Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Sport-specific timelines coordinated by the coaching staff  ·  📢 Results: Communicated by the recruiting coach in tandem with the admissions and financial aid offices
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠  Amounts and availability are coach-driven and vary by sport under NCAA rules.
👥 ~Varies by sport, subject to NCAA scholarship limits winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Athletic aid is packaged carefully alongside any Lehigh need-based grant, but total awarded aid cannot exceed the NCAA cost-of-attendance ceiling — the aid office will explain your specific package.
💡
Strategic Detail
A limited number of athletic scholarships are offered each year across Lehigh's 25 NCAA Division I varsity programs. Amounts vary by sport, roster year, and NCAA scholarship limits. No separate application beyond the standard undergraduate admission application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Recruited student-athletes who fit a Lehigh coach's roster plan, meet NCAA academic eligibility, and are admitted to the university. These are relationships that begin in high school through recruiting, not something a family can apply for cold.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Standard undergraduate admission deadline  ·  📢 Results: Included with the admission decision and financial aid package
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Merit is layered on top of any need-based Lehigh grant your family qualifies for — the merit does not replace need aid, it stacks with it.
💡
Strategic Detail
Dean's Scholarships range from $15,000 to $25,000 per year and are automatically considered — no separate application. To keep the scholarship each year, your student needs to maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and stay enrolled full-time. Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (10 for approved 5-year programs).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students at the strong-to-top end of the applicant pool who show consistent academic performance and meaningful leadership or involvement outside the classroom.
Full TuitionAutomatic
Founder's & Trustees' Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Standard undergraduate admission deadline  ·  📢 Results: Included with the admission decision and financial aid package
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠  Top applicants are automatically considered for Founder's (full tuition) and Trustees' (half tuition) scholarships during the admissions read.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
These are Lehigh's most prestigious merit awards and are packaged alongside any Lehigh need-based grant — merit stacks with need aid, it doesn't replace it.
💡
Strategic Detail
Founder's Scholarships cover full Lehigh tuition; Trustees' Scholarships cover half tuition. Both are automatically considered — no separate application. To keep the scholarship, your student must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and stay enrolled full-time. Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (10 for approved 5-year programs).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The very top slice of the admitted class — students with elite academic records, standout intellectual curiosity, and leadership that stands out even in a strong applicant pool.
Automatic
Lehigh Merit / National Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Standard undergraduate admission deadline plus NMSC first-choice designation window  ·  📢 Results: Coordinated between NMSC and Lehigh financial aid after enrollment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award sits on top of any other Lehigh merit or need-based aid — it does not reduce your other funding.
💡
Strategic Detail
Applicants recognized as National Merit Finalists receive $1,000 or $2,000 per year from Lehigh when they enroll and designate Lehigh as their first-choice school. Awarded automatically — no separate application to Lehigh.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who enroll at Lehigh and formally list Lehigh as their first-choice college with NMSC.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransfer
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Standard transfer admission deadline  ·  📢 Results: Included with the transfer admission decision and financial aid package
✓ Renews (2.8 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠  Admitted transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members receive $10,000 per year in automatic merit aid, renewable with a 2.8 GPA.
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
This $10,000 award is layered on top of any Lehigh need-based aid your family qualifies for — the aid office confirms it is awarded above and beyond need-based grant funding.
💡
Strategic Detail
Automatic $10,000 per year merit award for admitted transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members. To renew, your student maintains a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA and stays enrolled full-time. Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (10 for approved 5-year programs).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, typically with strong community college academics and demonstrated involvement.
* 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 Requiredmajor
College of Health Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: January 1  ·  📢 Results: Coordinated with Regular Decision admission decisions
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition plus experiential learning fund
✔ Stackable
⚠  Available to incoming first-year students entering Lehigh's College of Health with demonstrated leadership and interest in improving human health.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Full tuition plus a $5,000 experiential learning fund — packaged with any Lehigh need-based aid your family qualifies for. The experiential fund is designed to support research, internships, or global experiences tied to the College of Health.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Lehigh with the College of Health as your student's intended college by January 1, then submit the separate College of Health Scholars Program application by February 1. The COHS application asks students to demonstrate leadership, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to improving human health.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Four-year full-tuition scholarship plus a $5,000 experiential learning fund for incoming first-year students entering Lehigh's College of Health. Requires the Lehigh application by January 1 plus the separate COHS application by February 1. To renew, your student must maintain full-time enrollment in the College of Health and remain in good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top admitted students entering the College of Health with clear evidence of leadership, intellectual curiosity, and genuine commitment to improving human health — through research, community work, or lived experience.
Full TuitionApp Required
Soaring Together Scholarship Program
📅 Deadline: February 1  ·  📢 Results: Late March, alongside Regular Decision admission decisions
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠  A small cohort of admitted first-year students who advance gender equity receive four-year full-tuition scholarships plus mentoring and experiential opportunities.
👥 ~Approximately 50 Soaring Together Scholars across all class years winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Soaring Together provides full tuition through a merit scholarship packaged with financial aid — the Lehigh Commitment need-based grant closes any remaining tuition gap when applicable.
📄
How to Apply
Complete your Lehigh first-year application by the Regular Decision deadline, then submit the separate Soaring Together Scholarship Program application by February 1. The program-specific application invites your student to respond to a prompt on gender equity in the format that best represents them — essay, video, or another creative medium.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Launched to celebrate fifty years of Lehigh women and coeducation. Provides full-tuition merit scholarships plus an experiential learning fund, alumni mentoring, and career development programming. Lehigh anticipates approximately fifty Soaring Together Scholars across all class years at steady state. Any first-year applicant may apply; the program is open to all students regardless of gender — the essay response must reflect a commitment to advancing gender equity.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A small cohort of top admitted first-year students who combine excellent academics with clear leadership on gender equity — not just interest, but actual demonstrated commitment through advocacy, service, research, or lived experience.
* 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.
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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