Lehigh Academic Calendar

Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university typically divides its academic year into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session for additional coursework or internships. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. Lehigh also offers a Winter Intersession for intensive short courses between semesters, providing students with unique opportunities for focused study or catching up on credits. This structure aligns with many U.S. universities, ensuring a balance of academic rigor and seasonal breaks.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated, based on typical schedules). Classes begin for all students.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. University closed, no classes held.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). Extended break for students and faculty.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: December 15–19, 2025 (estimated). End of classes and exam period.
• Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated). Mid-semester break for students.
• Spring Semester End/Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (estimated). Conclusion of classes and exams.
• Commencement: May 18, 2026 (estimated). Graduation ceremony for eligible students.

• Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Binding decision with notification by mid-December 2025.
• Early Decision II Deadline: January 1, 2026 (estimated). Second binding option with notification by mid-February 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026 (estimated). Non-binding application with notification by late March 2026.
• Financial Aid Deadline: February 15, 2026 (estimated). Submission of FAFSA and CSS Profile for priority consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment.

The academic calendar at Lehigh University aligns closely with national norms for U.S. higher education institutions, featuring standard semester breaks around major holidays like Thanksgiving and spring recesses. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and family planning. Additionally, the optional Winter Intersession and Summer sessions provide flexibility for students to accelerate their studies or explore specialized topics. Lehigh’s scheduling also accommodates research-intensive periods, particularly for engineering and science majors, ensuring ample time for hands-on projects and internships. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect typical timelines for universities in the region.