In this article, we will compare two well-known academic institutions: Lehigh University and American University. We will delve into various aspects of each school, including their costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campuses, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comparative study will provide valuable insights for students considering these schools for their higher education journey.
Lehigh University Overview
Lehigh University, founded in 1865, is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Known for its strong engineering, business, and liberal arts programs, Lehigh offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across four colleges. With a total enrollment of around 7,000 students, the university maintains a relatively small but highly vibrant campus community.
Lehigh University Costs & Tuition
Lehigh’s annual tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year amount to approximately $57,340. With additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, the estimated total cost of attendance reaches around $76,540. Lehigh offers financial aid to nearly half of its students, with an average financial aid package of about $44,000, to make education more accessible.
Lehigh University Admissions
Lehigh has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 22%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1300-1460 and an ACT range of 29-33. In addition to standardized test scores, Lehigh considers factors like high school grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays in its holistic admissions process.
Lehigh University Degrees Offered
Lehigh offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Students can choose from a multitude of disciplines, ranging from engineering and computer science to business and the liberal arts.
Lehigh University Academics
Lehigh is renowned for its rigorous academics and interdisciplinary approach to education. The university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing students to benefit from close interaction with professors and small class sizes. Additionally, Lehigh offers numerous research opportunities, study abroad programs, and experiential learning initiatives that give students practical exposure to their field of study.
Lehigh University Diversity
Lehigh has a diverse student body representing 50 states and over 70 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, with various initiatives like the Center for Gender Equity and the Office of Multicultural Affairs providing resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
Lehigh University Students
Lehigh’s student population comprises about 5,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. Students at Lehigh are involved in various clubs, organizations, and intramural sports, creating a vibrant campus life. The university offers numerous resources and support services, such as tutoring and career services, to help students succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
Lehigh University Campus
Lehigh’s picturesque campus spans 2,358 acres in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The campus offers a mix of historic and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs and performance spaces. With a strong focus on sustainability, Lehigh is dedicated to maintaining its beautiful campus while minimizing its environmental impact.
Lehigh University Alumni
Notable Lehigh alumni include global business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists, and artists. Some prominent names include Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler Corporation; John W. Rogers Jr., CEO of Ariel Investments; and Jesse Watters, a television personality and host on Fox News.
Lehigh University Rankings
Lehigh consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Lehigh is ranked #49 in National Universities and #37 in Best Value Schools.
Lehigh University Outcomes
With a strong alumni network and dedicated career services, Lehigh boasts a high post-graduation success rate. According to the university, 95% of graduates find employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation.
American University Overview
American University, established in 1893, is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. The university is known for its strong programs in international relations, business, public affairs, and communication. American University enrolls around 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its eight schools and colleges.
American University Costs & Tuition
The annual tuition and fees at American University for the 2021-2022 academic year are approximately $51,386. With additional expenses like room and board, books, and personal expenses, the estimated total cost of attendance is around $70,810. The university offers various financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships and need-based grants, to help students manage these costs.
American University Admissions
American University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 36%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1230-1390 and an ACT range of 27-32. Similar to Lehigh, American University evaluates applicants based on a holistic review that considers factors like academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays.
American University Degrees Offered
American University offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its eight schools and colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kogod School of Business, the School of Communication, the School of International Service, the School of Public Affairs, the School of Education, the School of Professional and Extended Studies, and the Washington College of Law.
American University Academics
Academic excellence is a hallmark of American University, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring students receive personalized attention and support. American University also offers experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad programs, and research projects that take advantage of its prime location in the nation’s capital.
American University Diversity
American University is proud of its diverse student body, which represents all 50 states and over 130 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment with a variety of programs and resources that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
American University Students
With approximately 8,500 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students, American University offers a vibrant and engaged campus community. Students can participate in numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational sports, as well as take advantage of the many resources and support services provided by the university.
American University Campus
American University’s 84-acre campus is located in a residential neighborhood in northwest Washington, D.C. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The university is also dedicated to sustainability and has earned recognition for its green initiatives.
American University Alumni
Notable American University alumni include prominent figures in various fields, such as journalists David Gregory and Neil Cavuto, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, and former U.S. Representative and current CNN political commentator Mia Love.
American University Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, American University is ranked #76 in National Universities and #58 in Best Value Schools.
American University Outcomes
American University reports that 91% of its graduates find employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation. The university’s strong alumni network and location in Washington, D.C., provide students with numerous career and networking opportunities.
Lehigh University vs American University Cost Comparison
In comparing the costs of attending Lehigh University and American University, Lehigh’s annual tuition and fees are approximately $57,340, while American University’s are around $51,386. Including additional expenses like room and board, books, and personal expenses, the total estimated cost of attendance is about $76,540 for Lehigh and $70,810 for American University. Both institutions offer financial aid to eligible students, with Lehigh’s average financial aid package being around $44,000.
Lehigh University vs American University Admissions Difficulty
Both Lehigh University and American University have competitive admissions processes. Lehigh has an acceptance rate of around 22%, while American University has an acceptance rate of approximately 36%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students at Lehigh is 1300-1460, compared to 1230-1390 at American University. The middle 50% ACT range for admitted students at Lehigh is 29-33, compared to 27-32 at American University.
Lehigh University vs American University Academic Difficulty
Lehigh University and American University are both known for their rigorous academics and commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Lehigh has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while American University has a slightly higher ratio of 11:1. Both institutions offer numerous research opportunities, study abroad programs, and experiential learning initiatives that contribute to a challenging and engaging academic experience.
Lehigh University vs American University Outcome Comparison
Lehigh University reports a post-graduation success rate of 95%, with graduates finding employment or enrolling in graduate school within six months of graduation. American University has a slightly lower success rate of 91%. Both universities have strong alumni networks and dedicated career services that support students in achieving their professional goals.
In conclusion, both Lehigh University and American University offer exceptional educational experiences, with strong academics, diverse student populations, and impressive post-graduation outcomes. Prospective students should consider their academic interests, financial needs, and desired campus environment when deciding between these two institutions.
