Business/Managerial Economics at Lehigh University

Lehigh's Business/Managerial Economics program launches graduates to nearly $82,000 in starting salary—53% above the national median for this field—but here's the catch: that's essentially average for Pennsylvania. With 19 schools offering this program in-state, Lehigh lands right in the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile, virtually tied with Villanova's outcomes. You're paying private school tuition at a selective institution (29% admission rate) for outcomes that match the state norm.

The fundamentals are solid: $23,240 in debt yields a comfortable 0.28 ratio to first-year earnings, and salaries grow to over $100,000 by year four. For families focused purely on Pennsylvania options, this performs competitively. But if you're comparing against the national landscape of business economics programs—many at lower-cost public universities—Lehigh's premium positioning deserves scrutiny. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, yet Pennsylvania itself has elevated the standard for this degree.

The value calculation depends entirely on your alternative. If you're choosing between Lehigh and an out-of-state public program charging similar tuition, these outcomes justify the investment. But if you're considering other Pennsylvania options with lower sticker prices, recognize that Lehigh doesn't deliver a meaningful earnings advantage over the field. This is a safe choice that produces strong absolute outcomes without commanding the state's highest returns.