JCU vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lehigh University is larger than JCU based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JCU vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 John Carroll University than Lehigh ($30,030 vs. $34,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 15.7% lower than at Lehigh University ($14,520 vs. $17,220).
• Lehigh University is 28.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCU (about $14,480 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.7% higher at Lehigh than at John Carroll University (about $14,480 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Lehigh University (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 30.6% larger than aid received by John Carroll University students ($46,731 vs. $35,785).

JCU vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 180 points higher than at JCU (1260).
• Incoming Lehigh students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at JCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at JCU (3.66).
• JCU has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

JCU vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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 John Carroll University's (71%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $31,600 more per year than JCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $2,683 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($24,256 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($250 vs. $278).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 74%)

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.