Dean’s Scholarship 2027 | Study in United States — Lehigh University
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
A merit scholarship that can reach full tuition, awarded automatically with no extra application, is the kind of offer worth double-checking the fine print on. Lehigh’s version holds up, and does extend to international applicants.
About the Scholarship
Lehigh University automatically considers every admitted applicant for its merit scholarship tiers, which range from 50% to 100% of tuition. Awards are renewable for up to eight semesters for standard four-year programs, or ten semesters for five-year program tracks.
Lehigh, located in Pennsylvania, is particularly well known for its engineering and business programs, and its merit scholarship structure reflects a broader strategy among strong technical universities to compete directly with larger, more famous institutions for top applicants by offering genuinely substantial automatic funding.
The five-year program accommodation is a detail worth noting specifically, since many combined degree or extended engineering tracks run longer than the standard four years, and Lehigh’s scholarship structure explicitly plans for that rather than cutting funding short partway through such a program.
Scholarship Benefits
- Merit scholarships covering 50% to 100% of tuition
- Renewable for up to eight semesters, or ten for five-year programs
- No separate scholarship application required beyond standard admission
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be admitted to Lehigh University as an undergraduate applicant
- You must apply by one of Lehigh’s stated admission deadlines
- You must meet Lehigh’s academic standards for merit consideration
- You must maintain satisfactory academic standing to keep annual renewal
Fields of Study Covered
Open to admitted undergraduates across Lehigh’s engineering, business, arts and sciences, and education programs, with no restriction by specific major.
Required Documents
- A completed Lehigh University undergraduate admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores, where submitted
- English proficiency documentation, as required for international applicants
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for undergraduate admission to Lehigh University
- Submit your complete application by Early Decision I (November 1), Early Decision II, or Regular Decision (January 1)
- Scholarship tier consideration happens automatically upon admission
- Respond to your admission decision, which will include your scholarship tier if offered
Selection Process
Lehigh’s admissions committee evaluates each applicant’s full academic record to determine both admission and merit scholarship tier, with stronger academic profiles generally receiving higher tuition coverage percentages.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit the strongest possible academic transcript, since tier placement is directly tied to your academic profile
- Apply under Early Decision I or II if Lehigh is genuinely your top choice, since earlier rounds are reviewed against smaller applicant pools
- Maintain strong academic standing throughout your studies to preserve your scholarship’s annual renewal
- Compare this against other automatic merit scholarships like the University of Chicago’s International Merit Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No, all admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarship tiers.
Can international students receive this scholarship?
Yes, Lehigh’s automatic merit scholarships extend to international applicants, not just domestic students.
What is the highest possible award?
Up to 100% of tuition, for the strongest-tier applicants.
How long does the scholarship last?
Up to eight semesters for standard four-year programs, or ten semesters for five-year program tracks.
What are the application deadlines?
Early Decision I is November 1, with Early Decision II and Regular Decision falling on January 1.
Does my intended major affect my scholarship tier?
The review centers on your overall academic profile rather than favoring specific majors, though strength within your intended field can still factor into the overall impression.
Is Early Decision binding, and does that affect my scholarship negotiation?
Early Decision is typically binding, meaning you commit to enroll if admitted; confirm Lehigh’s current policy on scholarship terms under binding admission rounds.
Does Lehigh offer need-based aid alongside this merit scholarship?
Check Lehigh’s current financial aid guidance for any additional need-based options available to international undergraduates.
Can I negotiate or appeal my assigned scholarship tier?
Check Lehigh’s current admissions office guidance on reconsideration requests, since policies on this can vary by cycle.
Is a separate essay required to be considered for the higher scholarship tiers?
No, your regular admission essays are what the merit review considers; no separate scholarship-specific essay is required.