We are pleased to announce that the Lehigh University Libraries landed a top spot as the tenth best library in the United States, according to The Princeton Review's 2025 edition of "Best 390 Colleges." This recognition, based on student surveys, reflects the libraries' commitment to providing an inspiring, resource-rich environment for the Lehigh student body.
The annual rankings are compiled by The Princeton Review, a well-known company specializing in tutoring, test preparation, and college admissions services. Unlike many traditional rankings that rely heavily on institutional data and input from college administrators, these rankings are uniquely based on questionnaires filled out by college students, offering a genuine insight into their personal experiences on campus.
The results were based on surveys of 168,000 students—about 430 per school on average— and conducted in 2023–24 and/or the previous two academic years. The top 10 Lehigh ranking is based on just a single question on the larger survey that undergraduate students are given about their university experience: “How do you rate your school’s library facilities?”
“We believe one reason Linderman and Fairchild-Martindale Libraries are so popular with our students is that we have created dynamic and vibrant spaces that foster an environment conducive to learning, research, and collaboration,” said Boaz Nadav-Manes, University Librarian. “Our libraries are places that combine outstanding resources, collections, community events, and multiple types of study space that enrich the student experience and promote academic success.”
Since 1992, the “Best Colleges” rankings have recognized 25 top institutions across 50 unique categories. These rankings are available on PrincetonReview.com and are featured in the latest edition of The Princeton Review's guide, The Best 390 Colleges, published by Penguin Random House.
“This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our staff, as well as the trust and appreciation our students place in us. It is an honor to know that our efforts to create a welcoming and resource-rich environment have resonated with our university community,” said Greg Reihman, Vice Provost for Library and Technology Services. ”This recognition also aligns with Lehigh's broader commitment to academic excellence, as demonstrated by ongoing investments in technology, infrastructure, and student services.”
As we celebrate this achievement, we continue our focus on the evolving needs of Lehigh students. Whether through state-of-the-art technology, access to global research databases, or simply a quiet space to study, the Lehigh Libraries will remain a cornerstone of Lehigh’s campus life.
The new college guide was released less than a month after the Wall Street Journal unveiled its own college rankings, which listed Lehigh 15th out of the top 500 universities in the country.
For more information on Lehigh Libraries’ resources, services, and spaces visit lts.lehigh.edu.