Lehigh University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances

Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI

Quick answer: Lehigh University has a 32% acceptance rate, which makes it a selective school. Admitted students typically score around 1430 on the SAT or 32 on the ACT. Use the free calculator below to estimate your personal odds at Lehigh University.
Acceptance rate32%
SAT (75th percentile)1430
ACT (75th percentile)32
LocationPA
School typePrivate

Lehigh University is a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with strong programs in engineering, business, and the arts and sciences. Its 32% acceptance rate puts it in the selective tier, and the school draws a competitive national applicant pool.

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How hard is it to get into Lehigh University?

Lehigh admits about 32% of its applicants, so most people who apply are not accepted. The odds are tougher for programs like engineering and business, which attract some of the strongest applicants. If you are targeting a competitive program, your academic record needs to be especially strong.

The school uses a holistic review, so the full picture of your application counts. That includes grades, course rigor, test scores, and what you have done outside the classroom. Applying with a clear sense of what you want to study and why Lehigh fits that goal can help your application read as more purposeful.

Test scores that make you competitive

Admitted students at the 75th percentile scored 1430 on the SAT and 32 on the ACT. Scores near those marks put you in solid standing. Lehigh has offered test-optional options in recent cycles, so if your scores are not your strongest asset, check whether the current policy lets you apply without them and whether your other materials can carry the application.

What Lehigh University looks for

Lehigh wants to see that you have taken on academic challenges and handled them well. A strong GPA in rigorous coursework is the foundation. Beyond that, Lehigh looks for students who are genuinely invested in what they plan to study. Showing intellectual curiosity specific to your intended field is more useful than generic enthusiasm. Extracurriculars matter too, especially if you have shown leadership or gone deep in an area rather than collecting a long list of brief involvements.

Estimate your chances at Lehigh University

Getting a realistic read on your odds at Lehigh is easy with the free CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com. Enter your GPA, test scores, and activities and get a personalized estimate in minutes. It is useful for deciding how Lehigh fits into your list of target and reach schools.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lehigh University's acceptance rate?

Lehigh University accepts about 32% of applicants overall, with some programs being more selective than others.

What SAT or ACT score do I need for Lehigh University?

The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1430, and the ACT 75th percentile is 32. Those are the benchmarks for the upper range of accepted applicants.

Is Lehigh University hard to get into?

Yes. A 32% acceptance rate is genuinely selective, and competition is stiffer for high-demand programs like engineering and business.

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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.