Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Lehigh University

University Park, PA — Bethlehem, PA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
Location University Park, PA Bethlehem, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 5,898
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 25.9%
SAT Average 1,337 1,440
In-State Tuition $20,644 $64,980
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $64,980
Avg Net Price $32,875 $36,931
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $21,960
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 88.5%
Retention Rate 92.6% 93.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $88,810
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $105,584
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 126500.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Lehigh University compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) has an acceptance rate of 25.9%, in-state tuition of $64,980, and median 10-year earnings of $105,584.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $105,584 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Lehigh University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $32,875 per year versus $36,931.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 88.5% vs 85.9%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025