Should I apply to Lehigh or to Lafayette in the ED2
I’m an international student, and I’m in the average of both of them
I need nearly big aid so I wonder what to choose
I’m majoring in Mechanical Engoneering
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Lehigh is an outstanding school for engineering. Although it has other fine programs (specifically business), it’s reputation has been built as a leading engineering school for many years (Used to be called The Engineers, not the Mountain Hawks). I would also consider Bucknell for engineering. Don’t know much about Lafayette other than it’s generally considered a fine school.
Sometimes an overlooked factor is the culture of the school. Lehigh’s culture is engineering. When we toured, they made a point of showing us the engineering lab, 3D printers, etc. They were very proud of their engineering prowess. I imagine that translates well into resources, internships and career placement.
Both are good schools. Lehigh is better known for engineering. However, Lafayette is wealthier, on an endowment-per-student basis, and has a slightly higher acceptance rate. So the odds of getting in, and getting good financial aid, might be better at Lafayette.
http://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-endowment-tax-20171106-story.html
Why are you applying Early Decision if financial aid is important? Especially if you’re “average” (which implies that you could get in without the ED “boost”?)
Don’t apply for Lehigh if u need a lot of financial aid
Both excellent schools with strong engineering. Biggest difference is that Lehigh is a mid-sized university while Lafayette is a LAC. I do think Lehigh has a bigger Greek life presence on campus. I do know that getting into Lafayette as an international student needing significant aid is very competitive – no idea about Lehigh. (For full disclosure my D went to Lafayette and loved it.)
I think you need to apply to LAFAYETTE
Lehigh doesn’t offer very generous aid even for domestic students. In the case of needing a lot of aid, don’t apply to Lehigh. They also give a lot of loans
Optiparent: I was under the impression that they cap loans at 5000/year if you make under 150,000/year. That is what their website says. Can you give us some more info that we might not be aware of? Thanks so much!