Lehigh University's Need-Blind Policy: International Students Included?

is lehigh university need blind for international students

Lehigh University is a prestigious educational institution that offers need-based financial aid to international students. However, it is important to note that Lehigh University is not need-blind when it comes to international student admissions. The university has limited international financial aid funds and therefore evaluates non-US citizens' applications with consideration of their ability to pay educational costs. This means that an international student's financial situation may impact their chances of admission, and the availability of financial aid. International students must submit the required financial forms, and competition for the limited financial aid is keen. Lehigh University aims to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of admitted students, but the admission process is challenging, especially for those seeking full financial aid.

Characteristics Values
Need-blind for international students No
Need-aware for international students Yes
Financial aid for international students Yes, need-based
Requirements for financial aid Submission of the Lehigh University Certificate of Finances form and CSS Profile
Evaluation criteria for financial aid Student's academic/extracurricular achievements and financial need
Submission of SAT scores Recommended

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Lehigh University is need-aware for international students

Lehigh University provides need-based financial assistance to a limited number of admitted non-US citizens who have applied for financial aid and demonstrated financial need. The university aims to meet 100% of the demonstrated need for as many admitted students as possible with the limited funds available. However, admissions decisions for non-US citizens are need-aware, and some candidates who require financial aid may be declined if the university's financial aid budget has been exhausted.

To be considered for need-based financial aid at Lehigh University, international students must submit the Lehigh University Certificate of Finances form and the CSS Profile or the International Student Application for Financial Aid (ISAFA) if the $25 fee for the CSS Profile presents a significant financial hardship. The university strongly prefers the CSS Profile, as there are a limited number of spaces available each year for those submitting the ISAFA.

The financial aid offered by Lehigh University is specific to an academic year and may change if factors such as family income or the number of siblings enrolled in undergraduate college change. Lehigh University also offers merit-based aid to entering first-year students based on the merit of their admission application, but there are no merit awards available to returning or transfer students.

The need-aware policy at Lehigh University for international students is not unique, and several other US institutions of higher learning also practice need-aware admissions for international students while being need-blind for domestic students. This is due to limited funding for non-citizens and the higher percentage of accepted international students who require financial assistance.

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Limited financial aid for international students

Lehigh University offers need-based financial aid to international students, but its budget is limited. The university is need-aware when it comes to international student admissions. This means that, while admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of applications, the ability of students, guardians, or sponsors to pay educational costs is also taken into consideration.

To be considered for need-based financial aid, international students must submit the following:

  • The Lehigh University Certificate of Finances form, filled out for all intended years of undergraduate enrollment.
  • The CSS Profile through the College Board by the admissions application deadline. The $25 fee for completing the CSS Profile may be waived in cases of financial hardship.
  • The International Student Application for Financial Aid (ISAFA) in place of the CSS Profile, although Lehigh strongly prefers the latter due to limited spaces available for those submitting the ISAFA.

Lehigh University aims to meet 100% of the demonstrated need of admitted students (not including travel and personal expenses). However, the availability of financial aid funds may impact admissions decisions. Some candidates who do not demonstrate financial need may be admitted without a financial aid offer, while others who require financial aid may be declined due to budget constraints.

Lehigh University also offers merit aid to entering first-year students based on the merit of their admission application. However, there are currently no merit awards available to returning or transfer students. Additionally, work-study opportunities are available, and earnings are paid directly to the student based on the number of hours worked.

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Lehigh's holistic admissions process

Lehigh University is a top 50 school located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a low acceptance rate of 29% for the class of 2027. The university received 18,415 applications and admitted only 5,389 individuals. The admissions process is challenging, and the university seeks to enrol students who will thrive in its rigorous academic environment.

Lehigh University's holistic admissions process evaluates students based on various academic, personal, and extracurricular achievements. The two most important factors in this process are the rigor of the secondary school record and GPA. Other important factors include class rank, application essay, recommendations, standardised test scores, talent/ability, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, and the applicant's interest in the university. The university also considers the influence of the student's environment and background.

The Office of Admissions reviews applications holistically, recognising the individual's characteristics and achievements. This includes school transcripts, recommendations, essays, extracurricular accomplishments, leadership experiences, and other unique factors.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed or be completing the equivalent of 12 years of primary and secondary education, making them eligible for university-level study. All testing requirements and deadlines must be met, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the due date.

Lehigh University provides need-based financial assistance to a limited number of admitted non-US citizens. The admissions decisions for non-US citizens are need-aware, considering the ability of students, guardians, or sponsors to pay educational costs. International students applying for financial aid must submit the necessary forms, including the Lehigh University Certificate of Finances form and the CSS Profile.

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Requirements for international applicants

Lehigh University provides need-based financial assistance to a limited number of non-US citizens who have applied for financial aid and demonstrated financial need. Admissions decisions for non-US citizens are need-aware, meaning that international students will be evaluated for admission with consideration of their ability to pay educational costs.

  • All applicants must have completed 12 years of education (primary and secondary) or the program of study that leaves them eligible for admission to university-level study in the educational system in which they are enrolled.
  • All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The International Center for Academic and Professional English (ICAPE) at Lehigh University offers an Intensive English Program that provides comprehensive English language and cultural training at all levels of proficiency.
  • All non-US citizens who will need financial aid during their time at Lehigh are required to submit the Lehigh University Certificate of Finances form filled out for all intended years of undergraduate enrollment.
  • To be considered for need-based financial aid, applicants must also submit the CSS Profile through the College Board by the appropriate admissions application deadline. If the $25 fee to complete the CSS Profile is unaffordable, applicants can instead submit the International Student Application for Financial Aid (ISAFA).
  • The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides all required visa documents for students.
  • Transcripts from institutions outside the United States require evaluation. Lehigh University's College of Education accepts transcript evaluations from companies that are current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

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Lehigh's location and student population

Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is situated in the historically industrial Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. The university is spread across 2,350 acres, including recreational and playing fields, and 150 buildings comprising four million square feet of floor space. Lehigh is organized into three contiguous campuses on and around South Mountain: The Asa Packer Campus, the Mountaintop Campus, and The Murray H. Goodman Campus. Bethlehem is known for its vibrant arts scene, hosting various cultural events, musical acts, comedy shows, and art exhibitions. The city is also referred to as the “City of Festivals,” organizing over 20 major festivals and 150 mini-festivals annually.

As for student population, Lehigh University had approximately 7,067 students in total as of 2023, comprising 5,070 undergraduates and 1,048 graduate students. The undergraduate population consists of 47% women and 53% men, while graduate students are 42% women and 58% men. Lehigh has a high level of student participation in fraternities and sororities, with approximately 34% of undergraduates involved. The university attracts students from diverse locations, with 73.89% of students coming from out of state and 8.33% from outside the country. International students represent 89 countries, with the majority hailing from China, India, and Iran. Lehigh's Class of 2028 is noted for its diversity, and the university actively promotes inclusion and collaboration among students from different backgrounds and cultures.

Frequently asked questions

No, Lehigh University is not need-blind for international students. The university is need-aware for non-US citizens, meaning that international students are evaluated for admission with consideration of their ability to pay educational costs.

Yes, Lehigh University provides need-based financial aid to a limited number of admitted international students who have demonstrated financial need.

International students must submit the Lehigh University Certificate of Finances form and the CSS Profile through the College Board. Alternatively, if the $25 CSS Profile fee presents a significant financial hardship, applicants can submit the International Student Application for Financial Aid (ISAFA).

Lehigh University considers a combination of the student’s academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as the financial need of the student and their family.

It is challenging for international students requiring full financial aid to gain admission to Lehigh University due to limited funding for non-citizens. Applicants should consider every school a reach and put significant effort into their application.

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