American University vs Lehigh University for business: which is better for an undergraduate business major?

The biggest practical tradeoff is location and internship access versus a more traditional, tightly knit undergraduate business environment. American University gives you direct access to Washington, DC, which matters for in-semester internships, networking, and careers tied to consulting, policy, international business, and government-adjacent organizations. Lehigh offers a more campus-centered experience with a well-established business school feel, strong alumni loyalty, and a reputation that tends to carry especially well in finance, accounting, and corporate roles in the Northeast.

For undergraduate business strength alone, Lehigh usually has the edge. Its College of Business is one of the school’s core academic pillars, and Lehigh is often viewed by employers as a place that produces polished, career-ready undergrads with strong quantitative and professional preparation. The alumni network is also a real asset, especially in East Coast business circles.

American is solid, but its broader institutional identity is more tied to politics, international affairs, and public service than to business specifically. That does not mean business students do poorly there. In fact, AU can be very attractive if you want to build a resume during the school year through DC internships, especially in areas like marketing, communications, nonprofit management, international business, or economic policy-related work.

If you are comparing pure business reputation and how the undergraduate business program is likely to be perceived by traditional employers, Lehigh comes across stronger. If you are someone who will actively use the DC setting and wants frequent access to internships while classes are in session, American becomes much more compelling.

So in a head-to-head choice for an undergrad business major, I would lean Lehigh unless your goals are specifically tied to Washington, DC and you know you want to capitalize on that location from the start.