Cornell vs Lehigh: A Comprehensive Comparison to Help You Make an Informed Decision
Cornell University and Lehigh University are two of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Both schools offer a world-class education, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will compare Cornell and Lehigh on a variety of factors to help you decide which school is the best fit for you.
Academics
Cornell and Lehigh are both highly ranked for their academic programs. Cornell is ranked 17th in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges rankings, while Lehigh is ranked 44th. Both schools offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and both have strong faculties and research programs.
Cornell’s strengths:
- Cornell has a strong reputation for its engineering, business, and life sciences programs.
- Cornell has a large and diverse student body, with students from all over the world.
- Cornell has a beautiful campus located in Ithaca, New York.
Lehigh’s strengths:
- Lehigh has a strong reputation for its engineering and business programs.
- Lehigh has a smaller student body than Cornell, which can provide a more intimate learning environment.
- Lehigh has a beautiful campus located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Campus Life
Cornell and Lehigh offer very different campus life experiences. Cornell is a large, bustling campus with a wide range of activities and organizations. Lehigh is a smaller, more intimate campus with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Cornell’s campus life:
- Cornell has a vibrant social scene, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events.
- Cornell has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the NCAA Division I.
- Cornell has a beautiful campus with a variety of recreational opportunities.
Lehigh’s campus life:
- Lehigh has a more relaxed campus life, with a focus on community and student organizations.
- Lehigh has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Series (FCS).
- Lehigh has a beautiful campus with a variety of recreational opportunities.
Financial Aid
Cornell and Lehigh are both expensive schools, but they offer a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. Cornell’s average financial aid award is $47,712, while Lehigh’s average financial aid award is $46,856.
Cornell’s financial aid:
- Cornell offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Cornell meets the full financial need of all admitted students.
- Cornell has a generous need-blind admissions policy.
Lehigh’s financial aid:
- Lehigh offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Lehigh meets the full financial need of all admitted students.
- Lehigh has a generous merit-based scholarship program.
Which School Is Right for You?
Cornell and Lehigh are both excellent schools, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Cornell is a larger, more research-focused university, while Lehigh is a smaller, more teaching-focused university. Cornell has a more diverse student body and a more vibrant social scene, while Lehigh has a more intimate learning environment and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which school is the right fit for you is to visit both campuses and talk to students and faculty. This will help you get a better sense of each school’s culture and environment.
Tables
Table 1: Cornell vs Lehigh Rankings
| Ranking | Cornell | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges | 17th | 44th |
| Forbes Best Colleges | 19th | 66th |
| Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings | 14th | 55th |
Table 2: Cornell vs Lehigh Enrollment
| Enrollment | Cornell | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 15,412 | 7,217 |
| Graduate | 9,870 | 2,898 |
| Total | 25,282 | 10,115 |
Table 3: Cornell vs Lehigh Financial Aid
| Financial Aid | Cornell | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| Average Financial Aid Award | $47,712 | $46,856 |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid | 54% | 67% |
| Percentage of Students with Full Financial Need Met | 100% | 100% |
Table 4: Cornell vs Lehigh Campus Life
| Campus Life | Cornell | Lehigh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Clubs and Organizations | 1,000+ | 300+ |
| Number of Athletic Teams | 36 | 25 |
| Number of Recreational Facilities | 40+ | 20+ |
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your college visit to Cornell or Lehigh:
- Sign up for a campus tour. This is the best way to get a feel for the campus and meet current students and faculty.
- Attend an information session. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the academic programs, financial aid, and student life at each school.
- Meet with a faculty member. This is a great way to get a sense of the teaching style and research interests of the faculty at each school.
- Talk to current students. They can give you the best insights into what it’s really like to be a student at Cornell or Lehigh.
- Spend the night on campus. This is a great way to get a feel for the social and residential life at each school.
Benefits
Here are a few of the benefits of attending Cornell or Lehigh:
- You will receive a world-class education. Both Cornell and Lehigh offer rigorous academic programs that will prepare you for a successful career.
- You will have access to a variety of resources. Both schools offer a wide range of resources to help you succeed, including libraries, labs, and career counseling.
- You will make lifelong friends. You will meet people from all over the world at Cornell and Lehigh, and you will make lifelong friends.
- You will have a great college experience. Both Cornell and Lehigh offer a vibrant campus life with a variety of activities and organizations.
Conclusion
Cornell and Lehigh are both excellent schools with a lot to offer students. The best way to decide which school is the right fit for you is to visit both campuses and talk to students and faculty. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and we wish you all the best in your college search!
