Lehigh vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lehigh University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Lehigh University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lehigh University 10:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Lehigh vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lehigh or Seattle U? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lehigh University than Seattle U ($34,154 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 8.8% lower than at Lehigh University ($15,702 vs. $17,220).
• Lehigh University is 14.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $8,259 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at Lehigh than at Seattle University (about $8,259 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Lehigh University (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 32.2% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($46,731 vs. $35,351).

Lehigh vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lehigh or Seattle U? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Seattle U and Lehigh.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 120 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Lehigh students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lehigh University 1370/1500; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lehigh University 31/34; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lehigh - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lehigh Jan 1, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.4% at Lehigh vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Lehigh vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lehigh and Seattle U? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lehigh University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $28,800 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $244 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($24,256 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($250 vs. $253).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.