Lehigh University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$248,720
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$53,810/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
333%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Lehigh University's in-state tuition is $62,180. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $71,597. Five years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $88,810. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $105,584. The median debt for graduates is $21,960. 37.5% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Lehigh graduates is favorable. The median debt of $21,960 is less than one-third of the $71,597 median earnings one year after graduation. The high starting salaries suggest a relatively quick break-even timeline for graduates.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$62,180
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,960
Median Earnings (5yr)
$88,810
Graduation Rate
90%
Receive Financial Aid
38%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $107,260 | 481% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,374 | 458% |
| Industrial Engineering | $99,291 | 417% |
| Marketing | $85,576 | 307% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $95,363 | 385% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $129,685 | 661% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $96,912 | 398% |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $101,741 | 437% |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $84,975 | 302% |
| Psychology, General | $60,072 | 102% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $88,373 | 329% |
| Civil Engineering | $83,800 | 292% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.