Is Lehigh in good financial shape?
All institutions are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. Fortunately, our financial situation is strong, and we benefit from the wisdom of generations of Trustees whose careful management has placed Lehigh in sound fiscal condition. Lehigh enjoys a high bond rating, which means that investors consider the institution a safe investment. Endowment earnings provide about 15% of total revenues, so even though they are diminished, the impact is much less than that experienced by institutions that depend more heavily on their endowments. In addition, our enrollments are strong, and we have not needed to layoff or furlough any employees. Lehigh has navigated recessionary waters before, and we are taking many steps to ensure that Lehigh will emerge from the current situation in healthy condition. In addition to cutting costs, we are building a reserve of funds to be used to buffer sudden increases in the need for financial aid brought about by the impact of the economic downturn on f
