George Washington vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Lehigh based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 7,692 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Lehigh University is in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lehigh University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Lehigh University 10:1.

George Washington vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Lehigh? 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 George Washington ($34,154 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 1.7% lower than at Lehigh University ($16,920 vs. $17,220).
• George Washington University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lehigh (about $2,730 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at George Washington than at Lehigh University (about $2,730 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Lehigh University (78% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 24.6% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($46,731 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh and George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 10 points higher than at George Washington (1430).
• Incoming George Washington students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Lehigh (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have the same average high school GPA (3.81) as students at Lehigh (3.81).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

George Washington vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Lehigh? 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 George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than George Washington graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $80,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $706 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($24,256 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 82%)

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.