I would not apply ED - because per their website, it costs an international approximately $87K a year and there is no assurance they will be able cover all your expenses. What is your major? If it’s STEM, I do not think you would get in - but with a full need scholarship and they are need aware, it would greatly lower your chances. Nor should you apply ED - because you would be bound and potentially blocked from other colleges - but the likelihood of them giving you all you need is very little and you’d then have a big problem. You should apply RD in my opinion. But I don’t see a good likelihood of getting in regardless. ED would give you the best chance to get the $$ you need - but as a need aware school, if they see you need full need and you are not the top top top of students, they will simply decline you. That’s just my opinion.
Lehigh University provides need‐based financial assistance to a limited number of admitted non-US citizens who have applied for financial aid and who have demonstrated financial need. It is our goal to meet 100% of the demonstrated need (not including travel and personal expenses) for as many admitted students as possible with the limited funds available. Admissions decisions for non-US citizens are, however, need-aware. This means that international citizens will be evaluated for admission with consideration of the ability of students, guardians, or sponsors to pay educational costs alongside our holistic admissions process. Some candidates who apply for financial aid and do not demonstrate need may be admitted without a financial aid offer. Other candidates whom we would like to admit may be declined because we have exhausted our financial aid budget.