Lehigh vs Ohio State for finance careers: which is better for recruiting and alumni network?

Ohio State is the safer pick for finance recruiting and alumni reach, especially if you want the broadest access to employers and a very large network. Lehigh can still work very well, but its edge is more targeted than broad.

One major differentiator is employer access through scale. Ohio State draws a wider range of companies to campus across corporate finance, banking-related roles, asset management, consulting, and rotational programs, and its size means there are simply more events, more alumni touchpoints, and more chances to connect with recruiters. For a student who wants optionality or is still figuring out which lane of finance fits best, that breadth matters.

Another difference is the alumni network itself. Ohio State’s alumni base is enormous and active, which helps in volume-based networking, especially in the Midwest and in large national firms that have many Buckeyes across offices. Lehigh’s network is smaller, but it is often described as tight-knit and responsive, particularly in certain East Coast circles, so the connections can feel more personal even if there are fewer of them.

The last piece is placement style. Lehigh tends to punch above its size for students who are proactive, polished, and aiming at specific paths, including some Wall Street and East Coast finance outcomes. Ohio State offers a more built-out platform where a larger number of students can access good finance jobs through structured recruiting. If your priority is the strongest overall recruiting machine and alumni reach, Ohio State has the advantage.