College Comparison
Purdue 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
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
School
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 29.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1350–1490wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 31–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $62,180 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $33,549 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424 | $105,584wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 89.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 92.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 5,803 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Lehigh edges out Purdue on 7 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.
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Total Enrollment: 39,637
Lehigh Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 29.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1350–1490
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $105,584
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