Brandeis vs Lehigh

Brandeis University and Lehigh University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Brandeis, a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 32%. Lehigh, a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is slightly less selective, with an acceptance rate of 35%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Brandeis including Economics, Biology, and Psychology, while Lehigh's popular majors include Business, Engineering, and Computer Science. The student bodies at both universities are vibrant and diverse, with international students comprising 13% of Brandeis's student population and 10% of Lehigh's. With graduation rates of 92% and 88% respectively, both universities ensure that their students are well-prepared for successful careers. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into

	Brandeis University	Lehigh University
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	39.1%	46.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1370 - 1530	1325 - 1490
ACT range	31 - 34	30 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	40.0%	36.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	18.0%
Total number of applicants	9,796	14,107
Total number of admissions given out	3,834	6,485
Admitted students who chose to enroll	943	1,519
Yield rate	24.6%	23.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$75,006	$74,865
Average net price	$35,147	$31,539
Tuition	$59,408	$56,980
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,380 Meal plan: $7,070	Room/dormitory: $9,030 Meal plan: $6,300
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	83.0% Average amount $29,119	54.0% Average amount $39,972
Students receiving federal student loan	26.0% Average amount $3,948	41.0% Average amount $4,954
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $22,397	19.0% Average amount $12,089

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,591 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	5,451 Men 54.0% Women 46.0%
Graduate students	1,967 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	1,812 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	25.4%	13.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,950	2,856
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi New York New Jersey California Connecticut	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics Computer and Information Science	Engineering Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	87.5%	87.3%
Dropout rate	4.5%	12.4%
Transferred out	7.2%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,340 Year 2: $80,309 Year 3: $101,400 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,678 Year 2: $72,214 Year 3: $85,160 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,105 Year 2: $66,401 Year 3: $70,790 Economics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,731 Year 2: $55,840 Year 3: $64,826 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,010 Year 2: $54,192 Year 3: $63,166 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,126 Year 2: $55,286 Year 3: $59,597 Anthropology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $49,902 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,983 Year 2: $44,356 Year 3: $49,523 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,142 Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $47,023 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,477 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $46,669	Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,409 Year 2: $74,142 Year 3: $96,587 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,252 Year 2: $78,552 Year 3: $94,991 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,434 Year 2: $81,491 Year 3: $93,797 Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,418 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $87,192 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,069 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $86,603 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,293 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $86,360 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,520 Year 2: $70,324 Year 3: $83,095 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,490 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $82,322 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,444 Year 2: $72,325 Year 3: $80,631 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,497 Year 2: $69,710 Year 3: $80,502

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Brandeis University and Lehigh University?

Brandeis University is known for its strong emphasis on the humanities, social sciences, and arts, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary studies and a commitment to social justice. Lehigh University, on the other hand, excels in engineering, business, and the sciences, offering a more traditional, research-focused approach within these fields. Brandeis offers a more flexible curriculum, while Lehigh's programs often have more structured requirements.
How does the campus environment differ between Brandeis and Lehigh?

Brandeis University boasts a more intimate and intellectually driven campus environment, fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging open dialogue. Lehigh University provides a more traditional college experience with a vibrant social scene, particularly known for its strong Greek life and school spirit. Brandeis' campus is located in a suburban setting near Boston, while Lehigh is situated in a more urban environment in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Which university is better for undergraduate research opportunities?

Both universities offer undergraduate research opportunities, but the focus and availability may differ. Lehigh University, with its strong engineering and science programs, provides extensive research opportunities in these areas, often with state-of-the-art facilities. Brandeis University also offers research opportunities, particularly in the sciences and humanities, with a focus on faculty-student collaboration. The best choice depends on your specific field of interest.
What are the strengths of the faculty at Brandeis and Lehigh?

Brandeis University faculty are known for their dedication to teaching and their active involvement in research, often with a focus on social justice and global issues. Lehigh University faculty are highly regarded in their respective fields, particularly in engineering and business, and are often involved in cutting-edge research and industry collaborations. Both universities have faculty committed to student success.
How do the career services at Brandeis and Lehigh compare?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Lehigh University's career services often have strong connections with companies in engineering, business, and related fields. Brandeis University's career services provide support for a broader range of fields, including the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and often emphasize internships and opportunities in the Boston area.
What is the cost of attendance at Brandeis and Lehigh?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable at both Brandeis and Lehigh. However, the actual cost may vary depending on financial aid packages and individual circumstances. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fees on each university's website and explore financial aid options.
How does the student body diversity compare at Brandeis and Lehigh?

Brandeis University is known for its diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and a global perspective. Lehigh University also has a diverse student body, though the overall demographic profile may differ. Both universities are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.
What are the social and extracurricular opportunities like at Brandeis and Lehigh?

Brandeis University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs, organizations, and arts programs, with a focus on social justice and intellectual pursuits. Lehigh University has a vibrant social scene, with a strong Greek life presence, as well as numerous clubs, sports teams, and campus events. The best fit depends on your preferred social environment.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific major, such as engineering or the humanities?

Lehigh University is generally considered stronger for engineering and business programs. Brandeis University is often a better choice for students interested in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. However, both universities offer a variety of programs, and the best choice depends on your specific academic interests and career goals.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Brandeis University's location near Boston provides access to a wealth of cultural, academic, and professional opportunities. Lehigh University's location in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a more traditional college town experience with access to nearby cities like Philadelphia and New York City. The location impacts the types of internships, social activities, and overall campus culture.

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