Overview: Lehigh University
Lehigh University, officially founded in 1865 by industrialist Asa Packer, is a distinguished private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. Offering a comprehensive academic experience, Lehigh is recognized for its dual emphasis on research and teaching. With approximately 7,400 students, including over 5,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, Lehigh operates on a single, picturesque campus in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. The university is organized into four colleges and maintains a strong tradition of scholarly rigor and innovation, catering to students and scholars from around the world.
Academic Strengths and Structure
Lehigh University is particularly renowned for its strengths in engineering, business, and the sciences, with its P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science consistently ranked among the top 50 in the nation. The College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences further broaden the academic spectrum, supporting signature interdisciplinary programs such as Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) and Computer Science & Business (CSB). Lehigh fosters a collaborative academic environment, encouraging cross-disciplinary research, and boasts over $100 million in annual research expenditures. The institution ranks among the top national universities (ranked #47 in "Best National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report, 2023), and sustains numerous global partnerships, including double-degree and faculty exchange programs. Its faculty and students are widely recognized for achievements in STEM, entrepreneurship, and global leadership.
Student Life and Community
Lehigh offers a dynamic and inclusive campus life, featuring more than 200 student organizations, robust Greek life, and a calendar filled with cultural festivals, lectures, and performing arts events. The university prioritizes diversity and global engagement, actively enrolling students from over 80 countries and fostering intercultural understanding. Residential life offers a variety of options, from traditional residence halls to themed houses, with nearly all first-year and many upper-class students living on campus. Lehigh fields 25 NCAA Division I athletic teams and supports a flourishing arts community, as well as comprehensive wellness and support services to nurture student well-being and success.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Lehigh University is committed to nurturing innovative, ethical leaders equipped for global impact. The institution champions values of sustainability, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing its graduates to address society’s most pressing challenges with purpose and integrity.
