How many students applied to Lehigh?

Lehigh’s Class of 2029 profile lists 19,342 applicants.

How many students were admitted to Lehigh?

Lehigh’s Class of 2029 profile lists 5,601 admitted students and 1,535 matriculants.

Lehigh Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

🦅 Lehigh acceptance rate 2026 guide

Lehigh Acceptance Rate 2026: About 29%, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide

~29%

Direct answer: Lehigh University’s Class of 2029 profile lists 19,342 applicants and 5,601 admitted students, which equals about a 29% acceptance rate. For 2026 applicants, Lehigh should be treated as a selective private research university, especially if applying Regular Decision.

The acceptance rate is only the first answer. Lehigh reviews applicants holistically, so transcript strength, course rigor, teacher recommendation, counselor recommendation, writing supplement, activities, leadership and demonstrated fit all matter.

This guide gives the answers searchers need quickly: acceptance rate, GPA expectations, SAT/ACT ranges, test-optional policy, Early Decision and Regular Decision deadlines, required materials, cost, video help, FAQs and official Lehigh links.

📊 Acceptance rate 📅 Deadlines 📚 GPA & tests ✅ Apply checklist

29% Latest admit-rate math

5,601 admitted divided by 19,342 applicants.

700–750 SAT EBRW range

Middle 50% admitted-student SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing range.

710–780 SAT Math range

Middle 50% admitted-student SAT Math range.

32–35 ACT range

Middle 50% admitted-student ACT range, not including writing.

Quick navigation for Lehigh applicants

📊 Acceptance-rate answer 📅 ED I, ED II and RD dates 📚 GPA, SAT and ACT 🧾 Required materials 🔎 Holistic review 🏫 Colleges and program fit ✅ Application checklist ❓ 10 FAQs

Lehigh acceptance rate 2026: the number applicants want first

Acceptance-rate question	Direct answer	What it means
Lehigh acceptance rate 2026	About 29% using 5,601 admits / 19,342 applicants.	Lehigh is selective. Strong applicants still need a focused application.
Applicants	19,342 applicants for Class of 2029.	Applicant volume is large enough that generic files are risky.
Admitted students	5,601 admitted students.	The majority of applicants are not admitted.
Matriculants	1,535 enrolled students.	Admit rate and enrolled class size are different numbers.
Early Decision matriculants	881 matriculants came through Early Decision.	ED is a major part of the class, but it is binding.
Personal chance	Not exactly 29% for every applicant.	College choice, rigor, recommendations, essays, test choice and fit all matter.

Plain-English answer: Lehigh is not an automatic admit. The overall acceptance rate is around 29%, but your real odds are shaped by application plan, academic rigor, writing, recommendations and whether Lehigh can clearly see your fit.

Lehigh application deadlines: ED I, ED II and Regular Decision

Application plan	Deadline	Decision date	Use this plan when
Early Decision I	November 1	Mid December	Lehigh is your clear first choice and your application is ready early.
Early Decision II	January 1	Mid February	You need more time than ED I but still want a binding Lehigh commitment.
Regular Decision	January 1	Late March	You want to compare offers, polish materials or avoid a binding commitment.
7-Year BA/DMD Bio-Dental	January 1	Early April	You are applying to the accelerated dental pathway and must submit the Penn supplement.
Financial Aid: ED I	November 1	Mid-December offer notification	Submit aid documents on the same timeline if applying for need-based aid.
Financial Aid: RD	January 15	Late March offer notification	Do not wait until after admission to think about affordability.

ED warning: Lehigh Early Decision is binding. If admitted, the student agrees to withdraw other applications and enroll. Do not apply ED just because the acceptance rate looks selective; apply ED only if Lehigh is truly first choice and cost has been discussed.

Lehigh GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?

GPA answer

Lehigh does not publish one guaranteed GPA cutoff in its public Class of 2029 profile. A competitive applicant should show strong grades in rigorous courses and clear academic readiness.

SAT answer

Middle 50% admitted range: 700–750 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 710–780 Math.

ACT answer

Middle 50% admitted range: 32–35 ACT, not including writing.

Test-optional answer

Lehigh is test optional indefinitely. Submit scores only if they strengthen your college-readiness story.

Your profile	How to read it	Best action
Strong GPA + rigorous courses	Best academic foundation for Lehigh.	Use essays and activities to show fit, not just achievement.
Strong GPA + light rigor	May raise questions about readiness for Lehigh’s academic environment.	Explain school context and show challenge through senior courses or academic work.
Lower GPA + upward trend	Possible, but the rest of the application must add context.	Use recommendations, essays and senior-year rigor to show growth.
SAT inside 1410–1530 total range	Approximate combined middle range from Lehigh’s EBRW and Math bands.	Consider submitting, especially if it supports academic readiness.
ACT 32–35	Inside the admitted-student middle 50% range.	Consider submitting if the score matches the rest of your file.
No scores or weaker scores	Test optional can still work if transcript, rigor and recommendations are strong.	Do not submit scores that make the application look weaker.

Superscore note: Lehigh says it will superscore SAT or ACT scores and use top results for students who choose to submit testing.

Lehigh application materials: what you actually need

Common Application Lehigh questions Writing supplement School report Counselor recommendation Official high school transcript One teacher recommendation Mid-year school report Final transcript after graduation $75 application fee Optional SAT/ACT English proficiency if required

Material	Lehigh rule	Common mistake
Common Application	Electronic submission through Common App is required.	Submitting the general Common App but rushing Lehigh-specific questions.
Writing supplement	Lehigh requires Lehigh Questions and Writing Supplement.	Writing a generic “I like Lehigh” answer with no school-specific detail.
School report + counselor recommendation	Required from the school through Common App when possible.	Assuming a teacher letter replaces counselor materials.
Teacher recommendation	One teacher recommendation is required.	Choosing a famous teacher instead of one who knows your growth and work well.
Mid-year report	Lehigh asks the school to submit once first semester, second quarter or second trimester is completed.	Letting senior grades slip after applying.
SAT or ACT	Optional. If admitted and enrolling, official scores must match any self-reported scores.	Submitting scores that weaken the file, or reporting scores inaccurately.
International English proficiency	Required unless the applicant’s first language is English or the last two full years of completed formal instruction were in English.	Trying to use SAT or ACT to meet English proficiency; Lehigh says those cannot be used for that requirement.

How Lehigh reviews applications: what matters beyond the rate

Lehigh says it reviews applications holistically. That means the admissions file is not just GPA plus SAT.

Academic proof Transcript, rigor, classroom performance, school profile and optional testing.

Personal proof Essays, recommendations, leadership, extracurricular accomplishments and community contribution.

Fit proof Why Lehigh, why your college or program, and how your interests match Lehigh’s environment.

Generic essay warning: Lehigh wants to understand who you are and what you hope to accomplish. A supplement that only says Lehigh is “prestigious” or “beautiful” wastes the best part of the application.

Lehigh colleges and program fit: where your application should point

Lehigh’s undergraduate enrollment is spread across Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Business, Intercollegiate Programs, Health and Arts & Engineering. Your application should make the selected academic path feel intentional.

Lehigh path	What to show	Application angle
College of Arts & Sciences	Intellectual curiosity, writing, research interest, academic depth.	Show a question, field or problem you genuinely want to study.
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science	Math/science readiness, problem-solving, design, coding or engineering exposure.	Connect coursework and projects to engineering practice.
College of Business	Quantitative readiness, leadership, communication and business curiosity.	Use work, clubs, entrepreneurship, data or community impact as evidence.
College of Health	Health systems interest, service, data, science or public-health curiosity.	Show why health questions matter to you beyond wanting a career title.
Intercollegiate Programs	Cross-disciplinary thinking and maturity.	Explain why your goals require more than one academic lane.
7-Year BA/DMD Bio-Dental	Dental/health commitment and special supplement completion.	Submit the Penn supplement by January 1 and choose the correct program in Common App.

Best fit test: If your Lehigh supplement could be used for another university with only the name changed, it is not specific enough.

Lehigh admissions video guide

Watch the video, then use the checklist below to turn general admissions advice into application action.

After watching: write down your intended Lehigh college, whether you will submit SAT/ACT, your strongest academic proof, your best teacher recommender, one supplement detail and whether ED makes financial sense.

Lehigh application checklist: make it complete, not just submitted

Choose ED or RD carefully Use ED only if Lehigh is your clear first choice and your family understands the cost. Use RD if you need to compare offers.

Submit Common App with Lehigh questions Lehigh requires Common App plus Lehigh-specific questions and writing supplement.

Request school report and counselor recommendation early These are required and should come from your school through Common App when possible.

Choose one strong teacher recommender Pick a teacher who can explain how you think, contribute and grow.

Decide on test scores Lehigh is test optional. Submit SAT/ACT only if the score improves the file.

Write a specific supplement Show why Lehigh’s academic environment, college, program or community fits your goals.

Plan financial aid deadlines Aid deadlines are tied to ED/RD rounds. Do not wait until after admission.

Watch for portal confirmation If more than seven business days pass after submission without confirmation, Lehigh says to contact Admissions with your name, address and date of birth.

Keep senior grades strong Lehigh asks for a mid-year report and final transcript, so the application is not “done” after submission.

Lehigh cost and financial aid: decide before ED

Cost / aid item	Official detail	Applicant action
2026–2027 tuition	$69,420	Do not evaluate Lehigh only by acceptance rate; run affordability numbers too.
Typical first-year housing	$11,470	Housing is a major direct cost.
Full meal plan	$7,760	Include meal cost in the family budget.
Total listed direct cost	$89,820	Also consider books, personal expenses and program fees.
ED I aid deadline	November 1	Financial aid forms should match the ED timeline.
RD aid deadline	January 15	Do not wait until late March to start aid paperwork.

ED affordability warning: Since Early Decision is binding, families should use Lehigh’s aid information and net price planning before committing.

Which Lehigh applicants are strongest?

Strong academic applicant

Rigorous transcript, strong grades, challenging senior schedule, excellent teacher recommendation and optional scores near Lehigh’s admitted ranges if submitted.

Strong ED applicant

Lehigh is first choice, supplement is specific, cost is reviewed, materials are ready and the application clearly shows fit.

Risky applicant

Generic supplement, light rigor, weak recommendation, unexplained grade dip, no clear academic direction or test scores submitted when they weaken the file.

International applicant

Needs English proficiency proof if required, financial documentation if applying for aid, and a clear understanding that international aid is limited and need-aware.

Common mistakes that hurt Lehigh applicants

Only reading the 29% rate: Lehigh’s holistic review means fit, rigor, writing and recommendations matter.
Submitting weak SAT/ACT scores: Test optional means scores should help, not just exist.
Writing a generic supplement: Lehigh-specific detail should be obvious.
Choosing ED without cost planning: ED is binding and financial-aid timing matters.
Asking the wrong teacher: Lehigh requires one teacher recommendation; choose quality over status.
Letting senior grades drop: Mid-year and final reports matter.
Ignoring English proficiency rules: SAT/ACT cannot meet Lehigh’s English proficiency requirement.
Missing the BA/DMD supplement: The accelerated dental program has a required Penn supplement by January 1.
Not checking confirmation email: Lehigh uses that email to help students open the applicant portal.
Copying another college essay: Lehigh expects authenticity and your own voice.

Official Lehigh links and sources

The key details are summarized above so users do not need to click every source just to understand the process. Use these official links for final verification before applying.

Lehigh Admission Statistics

Official Class of 2029 applicant, admit, matriculant, college-enrollment and SAT/ACT profile data.

Open admission statistics

How to Apply

Official Common App, test-optional, holistic review, application integrity and after-applying guidance.

Open how to apply

Admissions Requirements

Official application materials, teacher recommendation, counselor recommendation, transcripts, fee, testing and international rules.

Open admissions requirements

Application Deadlines

Official ED I, ED II, Regular Decision, 7-Year Bio-Dental and transfer deadlines.

Open deadline page

Financial Aid

Official 2026–2027 tuition and cost figures plus financial-aid deadlines.

Open undergraduate financial aid

Lehigh Common Data Set

Official institutional data archive for CDS files and historical admissions reporting.

Open Common Data Set

FAQs about Lehigh acceptance rate 2026

What is Lehigh acceptance rate for 2026?

For 2026 planning, Lehigh’s Class of 2029 profile shows about a 29% acceptance rate, using 5,601 admitted students from 19,342 applicants.

Is Lehigh hard to get into?

Yes. Lehigh is selective. A 29% acceptance rate means most applicants are not admitted, and the strongest files show academic rigor, strong writing, recommendations, activities and fit.

What GPA do you need for Lehigh?

Lehigh does not publish one guaranteed GPA cutoff in its public class profile. Competitive applicants should show strong grades in rigorous courses and a transcript that proves readiness for Lehigh’s academic environment.

What SAT score is good for Lehigh?

Lehigh’s Class of 2029 middle 50% admitted SAT ranges were 700–750 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 710–780 for Math.

What ACT score is good for Lehigh?

Lehigh’s Class of 2029 middle 50% ACT range was 32–35 among admitted students who submitted scores.

Is Lehigh test optional?

Yes. Lehigh says its test-optional policy has been adopted indefinitely for first-year and transfer applicants. Students can choose whether SAT or ACT scores should be considered.

Does Lehigh superscore SAT and ACT?

Yes. Lehigh says it considers the highest section scores across test dates for students who choose to submit SAT or ACT scores.

What are Lehigh application deadlines?

Lehigh lists Early Decision I as November 1, Early Decision II as January 1 and Regular Decision as January 1. Decision dates are mid-December, mid-February and late March respectively.

Does Lehigh require recommendations?

Yes. Lehigh requires the School Report with counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation for first-year applicants.

How can I improve my Lehigh application?

Build a strong transcript, submit test scores only if they help, write a specific Lehigh supplement, choose a strong teacher recommender, show meaningful activities and leadership, and use Early Decision only if Lehigh is truly first choice.