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College Comparison

Cornell University vs Lehigh University: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

School

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricCornellLehigh
Acceptance Rate8.2%wins29.3%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1480–1560wins1350–1490
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–35wins31–33
Tuition (Out-of-State)$66,014$62,180wins
Avg Net Price$32,337wins$33,549
Median Earnings (10 yr)$104,043$105,584wins
Graduation Rate95.1%wins89.2%
Retention Rate97.8%wins92.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio9:1wins10:1
Total Enrollment15,935wins5,803

Verdict

Based on the data above, Cornell edges out Lehigh on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

Cornell Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 8.2%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1560
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
  • Avg Net Price: $32,337

Lehigh Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,180
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $105,584

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