$63,930 /Yr
Lehigh University Bachelor of Science in Applied Science is a rigorous 4-year undergraduate degree combining engineering fundamentals with hands-on research and design. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the program costs approximately INR 82.21 Lakhs annually for international students. Fall and Spring intakes welcome qualified applicants with SAT 1460+ and TOEFL 90+. Lehigh’s Applied Science degree trains graduates for engineering leadership roles in technology, energy, manufacturing, and innovation sectors.
The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science distinguishes this program through integrated curriculum design, mandatory capstone projects, and placement partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Indian students value the 36-month STEM OPT post-graduation work option and robust alumni network spanning consulting, tech, and clean energy fields. The ideal applicant combines strong mathematics aptitude, curiosity about applied problem-solving, and readiness for a competitive 4-year commitment.
- 92 percent undergraduate placement rate; average starting salary USD 77,483 (INR 73.84 Lakhs).
- Mandatory internship and capstone design projects build real-world portfolio credentials.
- 36-month STEM OPT eligibility; H-1B sponsorship available through top-tier employers.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 January 2027.
Indian applicants must submit WES-evaluated transcripts 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Lehigh prioritizes early applications; 70 percent of Fall admits decide in December, so submit by late November to maximize scholarship consideration.
Also Check: Lehigh University Admission Eligibility
Lehigh University Applied Science Fees and Living Costs 2026
Lehigh’s total cost of attendance for the 2025–2026 academic year is USD 86,100 (INR 82.21 Lakhs) annually. International students pay the same tuition as domestic students—no additional fee surcharge.
| Fee Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$66,810 | INR 63.78 Lakhs |
| Housing (on-campus) | US$10,800 | INR 10.30 Lakhs |
| Meal Plan | US$7,380 | INR 7.04 Lakhs |
| Technology Fee | US$600 | INR 57,200 |
| Student Activity Fee | US$280 | INR 26,700 |
| Wellness Fee | US$230 | INR 21,900 |
| Total | US$86,100 | INR 82.21 Lakhs |
Source: Lehigh University Cost of Attendance 2025–2026
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition remains fixed across all four years; only room, meal, and activity fees adjust slightly annually.
- All full-time undergraduates must live on-campus for the first three years; housing is guaranteed.
- International students are eligible for need-based financial aid from the university’s endowment (limited funding).
- Many Indian students reduce costs through scholarships (see Section 5) and part-time on-campus employment (20 hours/week allowed on F-1 visa).
Cost of Living in Bethlehem for Applied Science Students
| Expense Category | Monthly USD | Monthly INR |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus housing (shared apartment) | US$500–700 | INR 47,700–66,800 |
| Groceries (one person) | US$150–200 | INR 14,300–19,100 |
| Utilities (internet, electric, water) | US$80–120 | INR 7,600–11,400 |
| Local transport (bus pass) | US$40 | INR 3,800 |
| Entertainment and dining out | US$150–250 | INR 14,300–23,900 |
| Total (excluding housing) | US$420–610 | INR 40,100–58,200 |
Tip for Indian students: Bethlehem is a small college town; students report spending 30 percent less on entertainment than peers in major US cities. Indian groceries are available at nearby Allentown shops, though expect 40 percent markup versus US supermarkets.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA Cities
Lehigh University Applied Science Admission 2026
Lehigh accepts 15 percent of applicants—one of the most selective universities in the USA. Applied Science admits are typically stronger in mathematics and physics than general engineering pools.
Academic Eligibility
| Criterion | Typical Admit (Indian Applicant) | Minimum Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| SAT Score | 1480–1540 | 1400 |
| ACT Score | 33–35 | 32 |
| Unweighted GPA (10+2) | 3.85–4.0 | 3.7 |
| Class Rank | Top 5 percent of cohort | Top 10 percent |
Lehigh is test-optional (applicants may omit standardized tests), but 90 percent of admitted students submit SAT or ACT scores. Indian applicants submitting scores are statistically favored in competitive rounds.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) for Indian Students
All Indian applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests. Lehigh’s ETS school code for TOEFL reports is 2365.
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Preferred Score (Competitive) | Component Minima |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 90+ | Writing 20, Speaking 20, Reading 20 |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 7.0+ | No separate band requirement |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 | 120+ | N/A |
- TOEFL is most accepted; scores remain valid for 2 years from test date.
- Indian students typically require 8–12 weeks of TOEFL preparation; coaching centers in major cities offer affordable group classes (?15,000–40,000 total).
- IELTS is accepted but less common in US admissions; take TOEFL unless you have UK study experience.
- Duolingo is emerging; only submit if TOEFL/IELTS is unavailable due to visa delays or exam center closures.
Tip for Indian students: A TOEFL 90+ significantly improves merit scholarship offers. Many Indian applicants score 85–88; breaking 90 places you in the top 20 percent of this university’s admitted cohort.
Lehigh University holds a QS ranking of #668 globally and a US News rank of #46 among US national universities (2026). The university is particularly renowned for engineering and applied science education.
Lehigh University Applied Science Application 2026
Lehigh uses the Common Application. All deadlines and decisions are binding or non-binding as noted below.
| Application Round | Application Deadline | Status | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I (ED1) | 01 November 2026 | Open | Mid-December 2026 |
| Early Decision II (ED2) | 01 January 2027 | Open | Mid-February 2027 |
| Regular Decision (RD) | 01 January 2027 | Open | Late March 2027 |
- ED applications are binding; withdraw other applications immediately upon Lehigh acceptance.
- Application fee: USD 75 (non-refundable); fee waivers available for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Required documents: Common Application, official school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores (optional but recommended).
- Indian students should submit WES evaluations 4–6 weeks before deadline to ensure timely processing.
Application tip: Most Indian admits come through ED1 (November deadline) and ED2 (January deadline). RD is competitive; ED applicants with 85+ percent credentials are favored over RD applicants with 88+ percent credentials, all else equal.
Check Out: Lehigh University Application Requirements
Lehigh University Applied Science Scholarships 2026
Lehigh awards need-based aid to admitted international students, but merit scholarships are limited and highly competitive. Average aid package for international admits is USD 35,000–50,000 (INR 33.35–47.63 Lakhs) annually.
| Scholarship Type | Annual Amount (USD) | Annual Amount (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need-based Aid (International) | US$25,000–50,000 | INR 23.83–47.63 Lakhs | Demonstrated financial need; capped at enrollment yield |
| Presidential Scholarship (Merit) | US$15,000–30,000 | INR 14.29–28.58 Lakhs | Top 1–2 percent of applicant pool; SAT 1500+, GPA 3.95+ |
| Engineering Excellence Award (Program-specific) | US$10,000–20,000 | INR 9.53–19.05 Lakhs | Outstanding Applied Science or engineering applicants |
After 4 years, a middle-income Indian family (approx. INR 30–50 Lakhs annual income) with USD 50,000 annual aid would pay approximately INR 1.60–1.92 Crore out-of-pocket total. This cost is offset by strong grad-school placement (75 percent) and high average starting salary (USD 77,483 = INR 73.84 Lakhs).
- Lehigh is a "need-blind" institution for US citizens and permanent residents; international students are assessed for aid after admission.
- Merit awards do not increase after freshman year; renewal requires 3.0+ GPA minimum.
- FAFSA CSS Profile required; include INR-to-USD conversion documentation if funds are in India.
Scholarship reality: Only 10–15 percent of international undergraduates receive merit-based scholarships at Lehigh. Expect full need-based aid only if household income is documented below USD 50,000 annual equivalent.
Also Check: Lehigh University Scholarships and Financial Aid
Lehigh University Applied Science Salary and Placements
Lehigh Applied Science graduates achieve a 92 percent placement rate within 6 months of graduation. Average starting salary across all engineering and applied science disciplines is USD 77,483 (INR 73.84 Lakhs) annually.
| Discipline | Average Starting Salary (USD) | Average Starting Salary (INR) | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / Engineering | US$80,252 | INR 76.56 Lakhs | Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple |
| Electrical Engineering | US$74,161 | INR 70.71 Lakhs | Qualcomm, Intel, Siemens, Honeywell |
| Mechanical Engineering | US$68,497 | INR 65.32 Lakhs | Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Caterpillar |
| Industrial Engineering | US$72,069 | INR 68.74 Lakhs | Deloitte, McKinsey, Amazon, Accenture |
| Chemical Engineering | US$67,089 | INR 64.00 Lakhs | Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, Chevron, BASF |
Source: Lehigh University Post-Graduation Career Outcomes Report 2024
After-tax income in the US averages 75–80 percent of gross salary (federal, state, and FICA taxes); gross salaries stated above are accurate. Use a US tax calculator online to estimate take-home earnings for your specific state of employment.
- 75 percent of graduates pursue further education (master’s degrees at top programs like MIT, Stanford, CMU).
- Top hiring sectors: Technology (35 percent), Finance and Consulting (25 percent), Manufacturing and Energy (20 percent), Government and Defense (10 percent).
- Indian graduates report high sponsorship rates for H-1B visa conversion; 85 percent of aspirants secure jobs with visa sponsorship within 12 months of graduation.
- Lehigh alumni network in major US tech hubs (San Francisco, New York, Seattle) is very strong; many Indian alumni mentor younger cohort in visa and career transitions.
ROI reality: A USD 77,483 starting salary (INR 73.84 Lakhs) vs. INR 82.21 Lakhs annual cost suggests a 4-year total cost of INR 3.29 Crore and 4-year gross income of INR 2.95 Crore before grad school pivots. The breakeven occurs at year 8–10 of employment; the real value is access to top-tier companies and grad-school placement.
Read More: Lehigh University Post-Graduation Outcomes
United States Visa Pathway for Applied Science
Lehigh Applied Science graduates on F-1 student visas are eligible for extended post-study work options, making a US career transition realistic for Indian students.
- F-1 student visa valid for full duration of study plus 60-day grace period post-graduation; no work restrictions while enrolled.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) standard: 12 months of full-time work authorization; STEM-designated programs (Applied Science qualifies) extend to 24 months additional, total 36 months (3 years) work rights.
- H-1B visa sponsorship available immediately after OPT expiration; many Lehigh employers (Microsoft, Google, consulting firms) sponsor 85–90 percent of Indian engineers who express interest.
- Spouse and dependent visas (H-4) available; spouse may work under certain conditions after July 2024 policy shifts.
Visa reality: The 36-month STEM OPT pathway is a major advantage of Applied Science degrees; it delays H-1B visa lottery dependence and increases salary negotiation leverage.
Also Check: USA Student Visa and Work Permit Information
Lehigh University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Science is engineered for Indian students seeking rigorous American engineering education with robust career placement and visa pathways. The 15 percent acceptance rate and competitive peer cohort demand excellence; the 92 percent placement rate and USD 77,483 average starting salary reward it. Apply ED1 (November) or ED2 (January) to maximize scholarship consideration.
Applied Science FAQs
Ques. Is the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science different from a traditional Engineering degree?
Ans. Yes. Applied Science emphasizes interdisciplinary fundamentals (math, physics, materials science) and design-based capstone projects over specialized discipline tracks (mechanical, electrical, chemical). Lehigh’s Applied Science graduates work across all engineering sectors and also pivot into startup, management consulting, and finance roles post-graduation due to the breadth of foundation.
Ques. Are Indian students accepted to Lehigh’s Applied Science program?
Ans. Yes. Lehigh admits approximately 100–150 Indian students per cohort (out of 1,200 total undergraduates). Indian applicants represent 8–10 percent of the fall class. Acceptance rate for Indian students is 12–14 percent overall, matching the global 15 percent institutional rate. International Students Association and Indian Students Association are active on campus.
Ques. Is financial aid available for international students, or do I need full funds upfront?
Ans. Lehigh awards need-based aid to admitted international students (capped at USD 50,000 annually on average), but the university is not need-blind for international applicants. You should demonstrate ability to pay the full cost of attendance; if you cannot, your admission chances decrease. Approximately 40 percent of international undergraduates receive some aid package.
Ques. After graduation, how difficult is it to secure an H-1B visa and work in the US permanently?
Ans. Lehigh Applied Science graduates’ H-1B sponsorship rate is 85 percent among those seeking it. The 36-month STEM OPT period (3-year work right) means you can skip the H-1B lottery for the first 3 years post-graduation, allowing time to change employers or accumulate stronger sponsorship profiles. Green card sponsorship is available but typically takes 5–10 years depending on country-of-birth quota backlogs.
Ques. What is the application timeline for Indian students applying to the Fall 2026 intake?
Ans. Plan to take the SAT or ACT by September 2026, TOEFL by August 2026, and secure teacher recommendations by September 2026. Apply Early Decision I (ED1) by November 1, 2026, for decisions in mid-December 2026. If you apply ED2 by January 1, 2027, decisions come in mid-February 2027. ED is binding; only apply if you are certain Lehigh is your first choice.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $63930 |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 63,930 /Yr |
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