University of Rochester vs Lehigh University

University of Rochester vs Lehigh University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Rochester and Lehigh University are both respected U.S. private research universities, although Rochester tends to rank higher on the global stage. University of Rochester ranks #236 in QS 127^th in Times Higher Education whereas Lehigh University ranks #668 in QS 601-800^th in Times Higher Education. By subject area, Rochester excels in Life Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and the Social Sciences on the strength of having the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman School of Music. Lehigh stands out in Engineering, Business, and Applied Sciences, but is relatively modest in terms of global research profile in comparison to Rochester.

General Information

The University of Rochester, in Rochester, New York, has approximately 12,000 students and a significant research focus, with open academic programs that enable students to create interdisciplinary trajectories. Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has approximately 7,000 students and is characterized by its campus living arrangement and high-quality undergraduate business and engineering programs. Rochester is heavier in research, while Lehigh focuses on undergraduate instruction and intimate campus life.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities have selective admissions, Rochester with acceptance rates between 35.9%. Lehigh's acceptance rate is at 29%. Rochester has a wider range of graduate programs, particularly in medicine, music, and social sciences, while Lehigh is strongly focused on engineering, business, and applied sciences.

Research Impact & Facilities

Rochester is a flagship research university with emphases in medicine, optics, data science, and music, home to one of the country's largest academic medical centers. Its Eastman School of Music is highly regarded. Lehigh, while smaller in size, is also an established research school, especially in engineering, materials science, and business. Its research infrastructure is solid regionally, but less broad in scope compared to Rochester's international profile.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are private colleges with fees and tuition over $60,000 a year. Rochester offers generous need-based aid and merit awards, including excellent support for international students. Lehigh gives generous aid as well, although the packages are perhaps not as comprehensive as Rochester's larger endowment-supported aid.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Rochester alumni are largely pursued by careers in medicine, research, finance, and technology, with excellent placement rates in leading graduate programs. The Eastman School also graduates music and art leaders. Lehigh alumni are especially strong in engineering, consulting, and business, with an excellent alumni network to facilitate job placement within those fields. Whereas Rochester is more internationally recognized and medically linked through research connections, Lehigh is better suited to producing industry-ready candidates with excellent corporate connections.