Of the record-setting pool of incoming undergraduate applicants, 1,334 students applied for a chance to earn one of the full-tuition merit-based Soaring Together scholarships. 27 students who were awarded the scholarship have enrolled at Lehigh as members of the Class of 2027.
The scholars include students of several gender identities and hail from 17 states and 1 foreign country.
The students’ academic interests are diverse as the scholars plan to study in several academic areas, including 11 in the College of Arts and Sciences, seven in the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, three in the College of Business, two in the College of Health, and several bridging interdisciplinary programs across colleges.
“These students are beyond talented,” says Dan Warner, vice provost for admissions and financial aid. “They are fully committed to the academic strength, interdisciplinary approach, and community engagement that defines the Lehigh experience. They will create an indelible impression on our campus.”
For the first time in Lehigh history, applications from women outpaced applications from men. Warner partially attributes this milestone to a broad interest in the Soaring Together scholarship. Applications overall set a record as 18,415 student prospects expressed their interest in becoming members of the Class of 2027 — a more than 21% increase in applications from the Class of 2026.
Over the course of four years, the cohort will explore what’s possible in their own personal and professional development and then lead and mentor their classmates and future scholars. Their growth as thinkers and leaders will be supported by a variety of campus partners, including the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Development and Alumni Relations, Office of the Provost, Office of Creative Inquiry, Center for Career and Professional Development, and Center for Gender Equity.
“We want these students to find their purpose at Lehigh by exploring signature, high-impact programs and connecting with a range of amazing alumni, faculty, and staff,” says Jennifer Cunningham, assistant vice president, alumni relations. “Then these scholars will better be able to craft a vision for their future and lead lives of meaning.”
Alumni have also been active in their support in order to make these scholarships possible, including Mark Alpert ’70; Maria Chrin ’87 ’10P and John Chrin ’85 ’86 ’10P; Trustee and Vice Chair Ann Lewnes ’83 ’22P and Greg Welch ’22P; Kendall O’Brien ’84; John Staub ’86; and Mark ’81 and Susan Stutzman. With the university's vision to offer 50 of these scholarships through philanthropy, the Soaring Together Scholarship Program will become the largest and most comprehensive of its type at Lehigh.
“Gifts have brought this program to life,” says Joseph Buck, vice president, development and alumni relations. “We hope to add ten more scholars per year so that in four years, more than 50 students will benefit from the depth and breadth of the Lehigh experience while, at the same time, further defining what equity looks like for the larger campus community.”
“How students will advance gender equity on campus will be shaped by their early exposure to opportunities and how they wish to define their tenure here at Lehigh,” says Morgan Nelson ’19G, senior director, alumnae engagement, and program manager, Soaring Together scholarship. “We are excited for what will materialize considering their range of interests, talents, and experiences.”