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College Comparison

Northwestern 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

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

School

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricNorthwesternLehigh
Acceptance Rate7.1%wins29.3%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1490–1560wins1350–1490
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–35wins31–33
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,997$62,180wins
Avg Net Price$27,143wins$33,549
Median Earnings (10 yr)$89,363$105,584wins
Graduation Rate95.9%wins89.2%
Retention Rate97.4%wins92.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio6:1wins10:1
Total Enrollment8,960wins5,803

Verdict

Based on the data above, Northwestern 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.

Northwestern Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1560
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
  • Avg Net Price: $27,143

Lehigh Strengths

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

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