In this article, we will compare two esteemed institutions, Lehigh University and Fairfield University, to help prospective students make an informed decision for their higher education. We will provide an in-depth analysis of each school’s overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Additionally, we will compare the costs, admissions difficulty, academic difficulty, and outcomes of both schools to help you make the best decision for your future.
Lehigh University Overview
Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Established in 1865, Lehigh offers a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence in academics and research. With an undergraduate enrollment of around 5,000 students, Lehigh University provides a close-knit community and a diverse range of academic programs.
Lehigh University Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Lehigh University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $74,420, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Students can apply for financial aid, and approximately 51% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance. The average financial aid package for first-year students is about $44,000.
Lehigh University Admissions
Lehigh University has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of roughly 22%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores range from 1310 to 1450, while ACT scores range from 29 to 33.
Lehigh University Degrees Offered
Lehigh University offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs 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. Additionally, Lehigh offers numerous graduate and doctoral programs.
Lehigh University Academics
Lehigh University is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to research. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, students can expect personalized attention and access to faculty members. Lehigh’s undergraduate programs emphasize experiential learning and research opportunities, allowing students to gain real-world experience and enhance their education.
Lehigh University Diversity
Lehigh University has a diverse student body, with approximately 29% of undergraduate students identifying as students of color. The university is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment, with various resources and programs available to support diversity and inclusion efforts.
Lehigh University Students
Lehigh University offers a vibrant student life, with over 200 student clubs and organizations, including 25 varsity sports teams. Students can participate in community service, Greek life, cultural organizations, and various recreational activities. The campus is located near the Lehigh Valley, providing students with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining.
Lehigh University Campus
Lehigh University’s picturesque campus spans 2,358 acres on South Mountain in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and a sense of tradition. Lehigh offers on-campus housing options for students, with various residence halls and apartment-style living options available.
Lehigh University Alumni
Lehigh University boasts a strong alumni network, with over 80,000 alumni worldwide. Notable Lehigh alumni include Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler Corporation; Roger Penske, founder and chairman 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 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Lehigh is ranked #49 among National Universities and #37 in Best Value Schools.
Lehigh University Outcomes
Lehigh University has a strong track record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 78% and a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Within six months of graduation, approximately 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education.
Fairfield University Overview
Fairfield University is a private, Jesuit university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Established in 1942, the university is committed to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. With an undergraduate enrollment of around 4,100 students, Fairfield University offers a close-knit community and a wide array of academic programs.
Fairfield University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Fairfield University is $68,860, comprising tuition, fees, room, and board. Approximately 96% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with the average first-year financial aid package being around $29,000.
Fairfield University Admissions
Fairfield University has a somewhat selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 60%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores range from 1180 to 1330, while ACT scores range from 25 to 30.
Fairfield University Degrees Offered
Fairfield University offers over 60 undergraduate degree programs across five schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, the School of Engineering, and the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. In addition, Fairfield offers several graduate and professional programs.
Fairfield University Academics
Fairfield University is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, students can expect personalized attention from faculty members. Fairfield’s academic programs emphasize hands-on learning and research opportunities, providing students with valuable experiences to enhance their education.
Fairfield University Diversity
Fairfield University has a diverse student body, with approximately 25% of undergraduate students identifying as students of color. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment, offering various resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Fairfield University Students
Fairfield University offers a vibrant student life, with over 100 student clubs and organizations, including 20 varsity sports teams. Students can engage in community service, Greek life, cultural organizations, and a variety of recreational activities. The campus is located near Long Island Sound, providing students with opportunities for beach recreation, shopping, and dining.
Fairfield University Campus
Fairfield University’s scenic campus spans 200 acres in the town of Fairfield, Connecticut. The campus features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities for students and faculty. Fairfield offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls, townhouses, and apartments.
Fairfield University Alumni
Fairfield University has a strong alumni network, with over 40,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include John G. Rowland, former Governor of Connecticut; Mark R. Nemec, President of Fairfield University; and Chris Frantz, drummer for the band Talking Heads.
Fairfield University Rankings
Fairfield University is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the U.S. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Fairfield is ranked #3 among Regional Universities North and #1 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Fairfield University Outcomes
Fairfield University has a good track record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 72% and a six-year graduation rate of 82%. Within six months of graduation, approximately 96% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education.
Lehigh University vs Fairfield University Cost Comparison
The total cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at Lehigh University is $74,420, while at Fairfield University, it is $68,860. Both schools offer financial aid to eligible students, with Lehigh providing an average first-year financial aid package of around $44,000 and Fairfield offering around $29,000. Although the cost of attendance at Lehigh is higher, the larger financial aid packages may make it more affordable for some students.
Lehigh University vs Fairfield University Admissions Difficulty
Lehigh University has a more selective admissions process than Fairfield University, with an acceptance rate of 22% compared to Fairfield’s 60%. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores at Lehigh range from 1310 to 1450, while at Fairfield, they range from 1180 to 1330. Similarly, ACT scores for the middle 50% of admitted students range from 29 to 33 at Lehigh and 25 to 30 at Fairfield. The data suggests that it is more difficult to gain admission to Lehigh University than Fairfield University.
Lehigh University vs Fairfield University Academic Difficulty
Both Lehigh University and Fairfield University offer rigorous academic programs, with Lehigh being recognized for its engineering and business programs and Fairfield for its nursing and education programs. Both schools have relatively low student-to-faculty ratios, indicating that students can expect personalized attention from faculty members. While it is difficult to compare the academic difficulty of the two schools directly, both institutions offer challenging curricula and opportunities for hands-on learning and research.
Lehigh University vs Fairfield University Outcome Comparison
Lehigh University has a higher four-year graduation rate (78%) compared to Fairfield University (72%), as well as a higher six-year graduation rate (87% vs. 82%). Within six months of graduation, 95% of Lehigh graduates are employed or pursuing further education, compared to 96% of Fairfield graduates. Both schools have strong outcomes for their graduates, but Lehigh has a slightly higher overall graduation rate.
In conclusion, both Lehigh University and Fairfield University offer excellent educational experiences and opportunities for their students. Prospective students should consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic programs, and outcomes when making their decision.
