Lehigh vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Lehigh based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 7,692 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lehigh vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lehigh or Villanova? 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 Villanova ($34,154 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 2.7% lower than at Villanova University ($17,220 vs. $17,694).
• Villanova University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lehigh (about $2,796 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Villanova than at Lehigh University (about $2,796 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lehigh University than at Villanova University (65% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 1.9% larger than aid received by Lehigh University students ($47,609 vs. $46,731).

Lehigh vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 10 points higher than at Lehigh (1440).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Lehigh).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lehigh University 1370/1500; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lehigh University 31/34; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lehigh - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lehigh Jan 1, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Lehigh (3.81).
• Villanova has a higher acceptance rate (27%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.4% at Lehigh vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Lehigh vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lehigh and Villanova? 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).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Lehigh University's (87%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Villanova graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $85,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $2,241 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($24,256 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($250 vs. $273).
• More Villanova 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.