Hamilton College vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

Compare Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lehigh University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Lehigh University is in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lehigh University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; Lehigh University 10:1.

Hamilton College vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College than Lehigh ($28,719 vs. $34,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 1.7% lower than at Hamilton College ($17,220 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lehigh (about $3,980 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at Hamilton College than at Lehigh University (about $3,980 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lehigh University than at Hamilton College (65% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Lehigh University students ($55,511 vs. $46,731).

Hamilton College vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 60 points higher than at Lehigh (1440).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Lehigh).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Lehigh (3.81).
• Lehigh has a higher acceptance rate (25.9%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Hamilton College vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Lehigh University's (87%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Hamilton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $79,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $8,496 lower median loan debt than Lehigh graduates ($15,760 vs. $24,256).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lehigh graduates ($162 vs. $250).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lehigh students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 89%)

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.