Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, as it plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s future. In this comparison, we will explore the similarities and differences between Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University. By examining key factors such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both institutions, ultimately helping students make an informed decision.
Lehigh University Overview
Lehigh University, founded in 1865, is a private research institution situated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, arts and sciences, business, and education. Lehigh is known for its strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinary learning, and global engagement.
Lehigh University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance (COA) at Lehigh University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $74,000, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Lehigh University Admissions
Lehigh University has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 23%. Factors considered during the admissions process include high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Lehigh also offers an Early Decision application option for students who are committed to attending the university.
Lehigh University Degrees Offered
Lehigh University offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and over 80 graduate degree programs across its 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. Popular majors include Engineering, Business, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Lehigh University Academics
Lehigh University prides itself on offering a rigorous academic experience that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, and over 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and close collaboration between students and faculty.
Lehigh University Diversity
Lehigh University has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support diversity and multiculturalism on campus.
Lehigh University Students
Lehigh University has a total enrollment of approximately 7,000 students, with around 5,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. Students at Lehigh are actively engaged in extracurricular activities, with over 200 student-run clubs and organizations available on campus.
Lehigh University Campus
The Lehigh University campus spans over 2,350 acres and features a blend of traditional and modern architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, classrooms, libraries, and recreational spaces. The campus offers a safe and vibrant environment for students to live and learn.
Lehigh University Alumni
Lehigh University has over 85,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have made significant contributions to their fields. Notable alumni include Lee Iacocca (former CEO of Chrysler Corporation), Roger Penske (founder of Penske Corporation), and Terry Hart (NASA astronaut).
Lehigh University Rankings
Lehigh University is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Lehigh University was ranked #52 among National Universities and #29 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Lehigh University Outcomes
Lehigh University boasts a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates. According to the university’s data, 94% of the Class of 2020 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Lehigh graduates was $60,000.
Carnegie Mellon University Overview
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), established in 1900, is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CMU is renowned for its programs in computer science, engineering, business, and the arts. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment that emphasizes research, innovation, and creativity.
Carnegie Mellon University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Carnegie Mellon University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $76,000, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. Financial aid is available to eligible students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Carnegie Mellon University Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 15%. Factors considered during the admissions process include high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal essays. CMU also offers an Early Decision application option for students who are committed to attending the university.
Carnegie Mellon University Degrees Offered
Carnegie Mellon University offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and over 140 graduate degree programs across its seven colleges and schools: the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts, the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, the Mellon College of Science, the School of Computer Science, and the Tepper School of Business.
Carnegie Mellon University Academics
Carnegie Mellon University is known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on research and innovation. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, and 75% of classes have fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and close collaboration between students and faculty.
Carnegie Mellon University Diversity
Carnegie Mellon University is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and inclusive campus community. Students at CMU represent all 50 states and over 60 countries. The university offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity and multiculturalism on campus.
Carnegie Mellon University Students
Carnegie Mellon University has a total enrollment of approximately 14,000 students, with around 6,500 undergraduate students and 7,500 graduate students. Students at CMU are actively engaged in extracurricular activities, with over 250 student-run clubs and organizations available on campus.
Carnegie Mellon University Campus
The Carnegie Mellon University campus covers 152 acres in the heart of Pittsburgh and features a mix of traditional and modern architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, classrooms, libraries, and recreational spaces. The campus offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for students to live and learn.
Carnegie Mellon University Alumni
Carnegie Mellon University has an extensive network of over 110,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have made significant contributions to their fields. Notable alumni include Randy Pausch (author of “The Last Lecture”), David Tepper (founder of Appaloosa Management), and James Gosling (creator of the Java programming language).
Carnegie Mellon University Rankings
Carnegie Mellon University is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Carnegie Mellon University was ranked #26 among National Universities and #1 in Computer Science.
Carnegie Mellon University Outcomes
Carnegie Mellon University’s graduates enjoy successful outcomes, with 95% of the Class of 2020 either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for CMU graduates was $72,000.
Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University Cost Comparison
While both Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University have comparable costs of attendance, there are slight differences to consider. The estimated COA for Lehigh University is $74,000, while the COA for Carnegie Mellon University is $76,000 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Financial aid opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset these costs.
Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University Admissions Difficulty
Both Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University have selective admissions processes. Lehigh has an acceptance rate of approximately 23%, while Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate is around 15%. Both universities consider factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays during the admissions process.
Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University Academic Difficulty
Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University both offer rigorous academic programs with an emphasis on research and innovation. Lehigh has a slightly lower student-faculty ratio (9:1) compared to Carnegie Mellon (13:1), allowing for more personalized attention and close collaboration between students and faculty.
Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University Outcome Comparison
Both Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University have strong outcomes for their graduates. Lehigh reports that 94% of its Class of 2020 were employed or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $60,000. Carnegie Mellon reports that 95% of its Class of 2020 had similar outcomes, with an average starting salary of $72,000.
