Lehigh University Overview
Lehigh University, officially founded in 1865, is a distinguished private, research-intensive institution located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. With a history spanning over 150 years, it occupies a picturesque 2,350-acre wooded campus in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. The university enrolls approximately 7,000 students, with about 5,200 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students, and employs more than 500 full-time faculty members. Lehigh is renowned for its comprehensive educational offerings and strong emphasis on both advanced research and undergraduate teaching, making it a recognized leader in American higher education.
Lehigh University's academic strengths center on engineering, business, and the sciences, supported by its four colleges: the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Health. The university is particularly acclaimed for its interdisciplinary model, enabling students to integrate knowledge across fields through initiatives such as the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences (IDEAS). Lehigh ranks consistently within the top 50 U.S. national universities and is classified as an R2 (Doctoral Universities – High research activity) in the Carnegie Classification. The institution also actively participates in international collaborations and offers over 250 study-abroad programs, reflecting a commitment to global engagement and innovation.
Lehigh’s vibrant campus life features more than 200 student clubs and organizations, including cultural groups, service organizations, and professional societies. The university fosters a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with over 20% of its student body identifying as multicultural or international. Students benefit from comprehensive support services—ranging from personal counseling and academic advising to mentorship programs. On-campus housing, NCAA Division I athletics, and a dynamic arts scene further enrich the student experience, encouraging holistic development and active participation in campus traditions and events.
Lehigh University’s mission is to advance knowledge, foster innovation, and develop leaders equipped for a complex, global society. The institution is deeply committed to ethical leadership, interdisciplinary discovery, sustainability, and promoting a diverse and inclusive academic community.
