Lehigh University (理海大学) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
Direct Answer
If you are looking for a Lehigh University international student guide that covers programmes, entry requirements, costs and the application process in one place, you are in the right spot. Lehigh University (理海大学) is a private research university located in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, United States. The institution is classified as an R1 research university by the Carnegie Classification and serves more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. For 2025 graduates, 92% were employed, pursuing further study, or engaged in other activities within six months of graduation, and the average starting salary for that cohort was $77,000. Lehigh’s academic structure spans five colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Health, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Education. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background as you explore this Lehigh University international student guide.
When you work with UNILINK, you receive application information and support tailored to your academic background and goals. UNILINK does not guarantee admission or a visa outcome. All admission and progression decisions rest with Lehigh University and are subject to the institution’s current entry requirements and official offer documentation. UNILINK will contact you within one business day after you submit an enquiry.
Institutional Identity and Rankings
Lehigh University traces its traditions back to 1865, and its school colours of brown and white have been in use since 1867. The university’s motto is “Homo Minister et Interpres Naturae.” Its first official mascot, the Mountain Hawk, debuted in 1995 and was named Clutch in 2008. The football rivalry with Lafayette College began in 1884, making it one of the longest-running college football rivalries in the United States. Lehigh held its 158th commencement ceremony recently, and its alumni network now numbers 89,000 graduates. The university’s economic contribution is estimated at $1.4 billion.
In the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranking of the best U.S. universities, Lehigh University placed 29th. This recognition sits alongside the university’s R1 Carnegie classification, which denotes very high research activity. For international applicants, these indicators matter because they signal a research-intensive environment where undergraduate students can access faculty-led projects across disciplines.
Academic Programmes and Pathways
Lehigh University offers more than 100 majors, minors and programmes distributed across four of its colleges. The university has developed several distinctive interdisciplinary programmes that combine technical and professional training. Among them are the Computer Science and Business (CSB) programme, the Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) programme, the Integrated Business and Health (IBH) programme, and the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences (IDEAS) programme. These options allow students to build a degree path that crosses traditional faculty boundaries from the first year.
For students interested in accelerated graduate study, Lehigh provides a range of 4+1 master’s programmes. These include a 4+1 Master of Arts in Political and Policy Studies, a 4+1 Master of Public Health, a 4+1 Master of Public Policy, a 4+1 Master of Science in Applied Economics, a 4+1 Master of Science in Business Analytics, and a 4+1 Master of Engineering. The structure of each 4+1 pathway and the eligibility criteria vary by department, so applicants should review the current requirements on the relevant programme page.
Undergraduate majors and minors span the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Examples include Accounting in the College of Business, African Studies as a major, minor and interdisciplinary programme in the College of Arts and Sciences, Anthropology as a major and minor in the College of Arts and Sciences, Applied Science in the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and Architecture in the College of Arts and Sciences. Minors are also available in fields such as Actuarial Science, Aerospace Engineering, Apparel Design, Applied Mathematics, and Architectural Studio. The full list of programmes changes periodically, and not every programme may be open to international students in a given admission cycle. For courses that involve professional accreditation or clinical placement, additional eligibility conditions may apply.
Entry Requirements
Lehigh University sets its own entry requirements for each programme and updates them annually. International applicants typically need to submit secondary school transcripts, standardised test scores where required, and evidence of English language proficiency. The university’s current policy on standardised testing and the accepted English language tests should be confirmed on the admissions section of the official website, as these can shift from one application cycle to the next.
Because Lehigh operates a holistic review process, academic performance is considered alongside extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and personal statements. The university has more than 200 clubs, including 41 club sports and 22 Greek organisations, which gives some indication of the active campus life that applicants may reference in their materials. For graduate and 4+1 pathways, additional prerequisites such as specific undergraduate coursework or minimum GPA thresholds are set by the individual college or department. All entry requirements are ultimately determined by the university, and admission is only confirmed through an official offer letter.
Tuition Fees and Costs
Lehigh University publishes its tuition and fee schedule for each academic year on its official website. The total cost of attendance includes tuition, housing, meals, and other expenses, and these figures are updated annually. International students should also budget for health insurance, books, supplies, and personal expenses. The university may offer merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid, but the availability and eligibility rules for international applicants vary. Exact fee amounts for a specific programme and entry term must be obtained from the institution’s current official pages. UNILINK can help you locate the relevant fee information, but all cost figures are set by Lehigh and subject to change.
Application Decision and Planning
When you apply to Lehigh University, the decision timeline depends on the application round you choose—early decision, early action, or regular decision. The university communicates outcomes directly to applicants through its applicant portal. Because the process involves multiple documents, including transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation, starting early and checking the most recent deadlines on Lehigh’s admissions page is essential. If you are considering a 4+1 master’s pathway, you will need to plan your undergraduate coursework to meet the prerequisites for the graduate component. For help structuring your application and understanding what each programme requires, you can refer to UNILINK’s application guide and pathway comparison. UNILINK also offers document service and a follow-up commitment to keep your application on track. More about how UNILINK works is available on the about page.
FAQ
Q1: What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Lehigh University?
Lehigh University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. This ratio supports small class sizes and direct access to faculty, which can be an advantage for undergraduate research and mentoring. The actual class size varies by course level and discipline, but the overall ratio reflects the university’s emphasis on close academic interaction.
Q2: How many international students attend Lehigh University?
Lehigh University enrols more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students in total. The university does not publish a fixed international student headcount on its main public pages, so the proportion of international students in any given year should be confirmed through the admissions office or the latest institutional data release.
Q3: Does Lehigh University offer scholarships for international students?
Lehigh University may offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid, but the availability and eligibility criteria for international applicants depend on the policies in place for the relevant admission cycle. Applicants should check the financial aid section of Lehigh’s official website for the most current information.
Q4: What are the English language requirements for admission?
Lehigh University requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate English proficiency through standardised tests. The specific tests accepted and the minimum scores needed are set by the university and can change between application cycles. Always refer to the international admissions page for the current requirements before submitting your application.
Q5: What is the average starting salary for Lehigh graduates?
For the 2025 graduating class, the average starting salary was $77,000. This figure is an average across all disciplines and does not guarantee a specific salary for any individual graduate. Outcomes vary by major, industry, and location.
Q6: Can international students work while studying at Lehigh University?
International students on an F-1 visa are generally permitted to work on campus for a limited number of hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks, subject to U.S. immigration regulations. Off-campus work requires specific authorisation. Lehigh’s international student services office provides guidance on employment rules, which are governed by federal law and university policy.
信息来源
- Lehigh University, Home page, verified 2026-07-22
- Lehigh University, About page, verified 2026-07-22
- Lehigh University, Majors & Programs page, verified 2026-07-22
- Lehigh University, Majors and Undergraduate Programs page, verified 2026-07-22
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.