Is UMass Amherst or Lehigh University better for engineering?

For most students seeking a traditional, high-touch undergraduate engineering experience, Lehigh has the edge.

Lehigh fits students who want a campus-centered four-year experience and are comfortable with a more intensive, relationship-driven environment. Its project work, undergraduate research, career network, and proximity to major Northeast industry hubs can make it particularly appealing for students aiming at internships, engineering consulting, manufacturing, design, or graduate school. The engineering curriculum is rigorous, and the private-school setting can make it easier to build sustained connections with professors and peers.

UMass Amherst is an excellent choice for a student who wants the resources, breadth, and energy of a major public research university. UMass can be particularly attractive for students interested in computing-adjacent engineering, large-scale research, and the flexibility of a broader university ecosystem.

The practical deciding factor is often cost. If Lehigh’s net price is close to UMass Amherst’s, its smaller-scale environment and engineering-focused network may justify choosing Lehigh. If UMass is substantially more affordable, it can provide a very strong engineering education and ample research and recruiting opportunities without taking on unnecessary debt.