Bucknell University
About Bucknell University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bucknell University is a private liberal arts university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. It is highly selective and known for strong programs in economics, engineering, biology, and political science, with a close-knit residential campus in rural central Pennsylvania.
Founded
1846
Location
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Students
3,925
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
28.9%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
86.3%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,812
Per year
Avg Net Price
$40,766
After financial aid
SAT Average
1410
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$93,807
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
About 3 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 10
Bucknell University accepts 28.9% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1410 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1410/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
93.7%
4-Year Grad
83%
6-Year Grad
88%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
97.1%
$/Student
$24.6K
Class Size
Small
83% of students graduate on time, and 97.1% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,812
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,924
Books & Supplies
$900
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,756
After Financial Aid
$40,766
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$20,980
Receive Grants
12.4%
Take Loans
34.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $83,756/yr, including $16,924 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $40,766.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bucknell University fund their education.
While in School
12.4%
Get Grants
Free money
34.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$107,136
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $94K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bucknell University.
Gender
52.1%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,876
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
49
Graduates
12%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men).
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
3,876
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bucknell University fields 15 varsity teams with 968 student athletes, about 25% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Patriot League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
968
25% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
475
Men
493
Women
11
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bucknell Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$93,807
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$71K
121 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$53K
87 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$39K
75 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$52K
71 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$76K
70 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$79K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $79K six years out, climb to $74K by year eight, and reach $94K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bucknell University
What is the acceptance rate at Bucknell University?▾
How much does Bucknell University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bucknell University?▾
How much do Bucknell University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.