Pennsylvania’s Best-Kept Secret for Graduate Career Success

In my conversation with Dr. Sabrina Jedlicka, Deputy Provost of Graduate Education for Lehigh University, we explored what makes Lehigh’s graduate programs exceptional. Lehigh University, a top-50 U.S. institution (ranked #46 by U.S. News & World Report) that’s redefining what personalized graduate education looks like. Now, we uncover the region’s extraordinary—and often overlooked—advantage: the Lehigh Valley’s thriving industry ecosystem.

Pennsylvania’s Third Largest Metro: A Surprising Fact

“A little known fact: we are one of three cities all closely connected,” Dr. Jedlicka explained. “We’re part of the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton area which is called the Lehigh Valley. And the Lehigh Valley is the third largest metropolitan area in the state of Pennsylvania.”

Even more impressive: The two Pennsylvania counties which encompass the Lehigh Valley are in the top 10% of counties in the United States for population growth of people between the ages of 18-34. This is both fueled by and driving economic growth in the region.

An Unexpected Density of Global Industry Leaders

The companies calling the Lehigh Valley home read like a who’s who of global innovation:

Biomedical & Healthcare:

There are more than 180 life science business establishments in the Lehigh Valley, including:

• B. Braun – Major medical technology company, with US headquarters in Bethlehem, PA
• Olympus – US Headquarters located in the Lehigh Valley
• Eli Lilly – Just announced they’re building a new $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with full operations by 2031. This site will develop Lilly’s next-generation injectable medicines and devices.

Industrial & Manufacturing:

• Air Products – International gas supply company, recently awarded a $140 million contract to NASA, has their global headquarters only a few miles away from Lehigh’s campus
• Lutron Electronics – A world leader in lighting controls and dimming technology. If you have ever used a light dimmer, there is a high likelihood that Lutron had something to do with it, and are headquartered only a few miles away from Lehigh’s campus.
• Victaulic – A global leading producer of mechanical pipe and fire protection systems, actively expanding their Lehigh Valley presence with a $100 million expansion.
• Crayola – A childhood favorite, headquartered in the Lehigh Valley.

Dr. Jedlicka reflected on her own realization: “When I moved here, I didn’t appreciate any of this. It felt like this tiny little steel town in the middle of Pennsylvania. What I’ve seen in my 18 years here is an expansion of opportunities for students and a thriving economic system that quietly buzzes under the radar. This is a place where businesses are thriving. People are moving here; there’s expanding opportunities in different sectors, and I love being a part of the community.”

Strategic Location: Between Two Major Cities

Geography matters, and the Lehigh Valley’s position is ideal.

To Philadelphia (1 hour): “If you kind of drive up the interstate (I-476) between Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia, you are passing through one of the East Coast’s premier industrial and logistics corridors.” Dr. Jedlicka explained. “From manufacturing to logistics, from biotech to aerospace and food—you name it—it’s probably on that corridor.”

To New York City (1 hour 45 minutes): “We are about an hour and a half from the Secaucus Junction train station, which is then a very short train ride into New York City,” Dr. Jedlicka shared. Driving along I-78, which connects you from the Lehigh Valley to Newark, you will pass through another major industrial, logistics, and manufacturing hub. This region is a top 15% manufacturing market in key US sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, packaging, construction, logistics, and many other industries. And of course, there is the thriving financial center in New York City, which attracts Lehigh students to permanent jobs in the city.

The Data Center Boom: A Growing Opportunity

Dr. Jedlicka highlighted an emerging trend that’s creating massive demand: “We as a state are heavily investing in data center technology, data center land space, and data center manufacturing. Over $90 billion is expected to be invested in the state, including a $20 billion investment from Amazon. The demand for people who specialize in structural engineering as well as energy systems here in the state of Pennsylvania is going to be pretty significant.”

She continued: “And then, of course, you’re going to have people who need to be able to manage data centers and handle that amount of data, which is certainly related to programs that Quallege is working with us on.”

A Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Beyond established corporations, the valley offers something special for innovators: “We also have a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, which helps drive some of these opportunities. Some of it’s supported by the state, some of it’s supported by the cities. We have several manufacturing incubators and a well recognized small business development center to help companies thrive in our region.

The Career Advantage for Lehigh Graduates

This density of opportunity creates a unique advantage for Lehigh students. “There is a huge density of opportunities that live right here in the Lehigh Valley,” Dr. Jedlicka emphasized.

Through programs like the Enterprise Systems Center and the capstone-style projects in programs, students don’t just learn theory—they solve real problems for real companies, often getting paid in the process. The proximity to hundreds of global companies means internships, industry driven projects, and full-time opportunities are not just possibilities—they’re the norm.

Lehigh’s Mission: Connecting Students to This Hidden Advantage

When asked about the best-kept secret about Lehigh, Dr. Jedlicka’s answer was telling: “The amount of opportunity that surrounds the institution. We, like many universities, don’t talk about this enough. It’s been a mission of mine to change that in the future. But that to me is the best hidden fact about Lehigh that you’ll never discover in our own webpages.”

Through this partnership with Quallege, international students will now have insider access to this extraordinary advantage.

Why Location Matters for Your Graduate Degree

For international students considering where to pursue graduate studies in engineering, data science, or business, the Lehigh Valley represents something rare: a region with:

• A moderate cost of living compared to major metros
• Proximity to two of America’s largest cities (Philadelphia and New York)
• A concentration of Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups
• Emerging sectors (data centers, biotech, advanced manufacturing) ✓ A young, growing professional community

As Dr. Jedlicka noted, this isn’t just about where you study—it’s about where you launch your career.

Conclusion: An Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight

The Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s best-kept secret, and Lehigh University sits at its heart. For international students seeking not just an excellent education but also exceptional career opportunities, this combination is hard to beat.

We’re proud to partner with Dr. Jedlicka and the Lehigh team to help students discover this hidden advantage.