Lehigh University

Lehigh University, founded in 1865 by businessman and philanthropist Asa Packer, is a private, non-denominational research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The campus spans three contiguous areas—the historic Asa Packer Campus, the Mountaintop Campus, and the Goodman Campus—totaling over 2,300 acres with a blend of Gothic architecture and natural preserves. With approximately 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students, Lehigh maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 10:1, fostering close mentorship and personalized learning opportunities.

Academically, Lehigh is organized into five colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering & Applied Science, Education, and Health. It is classified as a Carnegie R1 institution for very high research activity, with focused strengths in engineering, the sciences, business, and the humanities. The university is also home to nationally ranked programs, substantial federal research funding, and unique hands-on pedagogical initiatives like the Interdisciplinary Projects (IPRO) program, which promotes collaborative, real-world problem solving.

Student life at Lehigh is marked by a vibrant campus culture and deep-rooted traditions. About 91% of undergraduates are involved in clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities, or intercollegiate athletics across 25 NCAA Division I sports. Annual events like Spirit Week—featuring bed races, the historic Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry, and performances by the student-run Marching 97 band—reinforce community spirit. The university also offers robust student support services, cultural centers, and numerous opportunities for internships, study abroad, and community engagement.