Head-to-head comparison
American University vs. Lehigh University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs American or Lehigh harder to get into?
American is harder to get into than Lehigh. American's 12.9% acceptance rate is lower than Lehigh's 25.9%.
Which is cheaper, American or Lehigh?
Lehigh costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Lehigh's average net price is $36,931 vs $40,815 at American.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Lehigh graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $103,494 at American and $105,584 at Lehigh.
Full Comparison
| Metric | American | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 25.9% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1390–1550 | 1370–1500 |
| ACT mid-50% | 31–35 | 31–34 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,741 | $80,856 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $40,815 | $36,931 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,569 | 5,898 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 94.8% | 87.9% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $103,494 | $105,584 |
| Setting | Washington, D.C. | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
American is meaningfully harder to get into. A 13.0-percentage-point gap between 12.9% (American) and 25.9% (Lehigh) reflects real selectivity differences. Lehigh is the more realistic target for a balanced college list.
American draws stronger test scores. Mid-50% SAT range tops out at 1550 vs 1500 at the other school. Differences in test profile usually reflect a school's STEM-vs-humanities mix and the self-selection of applicants, not raw academic quality.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. American is in Washington, D.C.; Lehigh is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
American has a more international student body (13.3% non-resident students vs 6.5%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
American's graduation rate is meaningfully higher (94.8% vs 87.9% 6-year completion). Graduation gaps at this level usually reflect support-system differences, financial aid adequacy, or degree-flexibility — worth verifying with each school's first-year retention and major-change policies.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. American is 59.0% women, 13.3% international, and 15.4% Asian-American. Lehigh is 48.0% women, 6.5% international, and 10.8% Asian-American.
| Demographic | American | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 59.0% | 48.0% |
| International | 13.3% | 6.5% |
| White | 46.1% | 59.7% |
| Asian | 15.4% | 10.8% |
| Hispanic | 5.9% | 11.1% |
| Black | 4.9% | 5.0% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at American vs. Lehigh?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick American if
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- its School of International Service and close ties to D.C. policy and journalism
Pick Lehigh if
- Your odds are realistic at Lehigh (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: Lehigh costs $3,884 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($105,584 vs $103,494)
- integrated business and engineering programs
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
American University
12.9% accept · Washington, D.C.
Full profile
Lehigh University
25.9% accept · Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.