Bucknell University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Bucknell University is a private research university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, serving roughly 3,876 students. Admission is selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 28.93% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $93,807 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $67,812
- 2024 Average Net Price: $40,766 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 28.93% Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 3,876 99.8% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 86.32%
- Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
- First-Generation Students: 12.0%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 4.9% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 4.2% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 97.1%
- Average SAT Score: 1410
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,036
- Applicants (IPEDS): 11,010
- Room & Board: $16,924 annual estimate
Bucknell University: what the data shows
Common questions about Bucknell University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Bucknell University?
Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (ZIP 17837).
NCES locale classification: Town distant.
Is Bucknell University public or private?
Bucknell University is a Private Non-profit institution.
How much does Bucknell University cost?
Published tuition: $67,812.
Average net price after aid: $40,766.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $20,980 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,276 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $23,679 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,165 |
| $110,001+ | $55,724 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $271,248.
How hard is it to get into Bucknell University?
Admission rate: 28.93%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1410 and midpoint ACT 31.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Bucknell University?
Total enrollment: 3,876 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 4,036 students.
Graduate enrollment: 49 students.
About 100% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Bucknell University?
150%-time completion rate: 86.32%.
First-year retention: 93.7%.
What do graduates of Bucknell University earn?
Median earnings: $78,852 six years after entry; $93,807 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $27,000.
12.38% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Bucknell University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Economics, General (86 completions)
- Psychology, General (85 completions)
- Political Science and Government, General (75 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (70 completions)
- Accounting and Finance (70 completions)
- Mechanical Engineering (42 completions)
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General (40 completions)
- International Relations and Affairs (32 completions)
- Chemical Engineering (30 completions)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (29 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Bucknell University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 28.93%; completion rate 86.32%; median earnings $93,807 at 10 years; net price $40,766. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$67,812
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Bucknell University was $67,812.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$40,766
2024 Value
In 2024 Bucknell University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $40,766.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$163,064 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$40,766 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$271,248 4-Year Tuition
$16,924 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$900 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$85,636 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$342,544 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Bucknell University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
12.38% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
34.66% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Bucknell University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Bucknell University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $46,902 | $46,902 | $33,419 |
| 2014 | $48,498 | $48,498 | $32,487 |
| 2015 | $50,152 | $50,152 | $36,834 |
| 2016 | $51,960 | $51,960 | $34,502 |
| 2017 | $53,986 | $53,986 | $40,976 |
| 2018 | $56,092 | $56,092 | $39,294 |
| 2019 | $58,196 | $58,196 | $42,502 |
| 2020 | $58,202 | $58,202 | $43,895 |
| 2021 | $59,802 | $59,802 | $39,403 |
| 2022 | $61,746 | $61,746 | $42,198 |
| 2023 | $64,772 | $64,772 | $40,429 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.93% Acceptance Rate
11,010 Total Applicants
3,524 Students Admitted
1,030 First-Time Students Enrolled
29.23% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution is highly selective, accepting fewer than 3 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1410
ACT Average: 31
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.7 - 3.9
Estimated Median GPA: 3.85
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Bucknell University reported total enrollment of about 3,876 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 48% male and 52% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (73.5%), Hispanic or Latino (9.0%), and Non-Resident Alien (4.5%). About 12.38% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 12.0% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
99.8% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Bucknell University in 2024 is 3,876 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 4,036 students. Graduate enrollment is about 49 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
93.7%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 73.5%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
82.00% 100% Completion Time
86.32% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 82.00% of students graduating from Bucknell University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Economics, General: 69% male / 31% female
- Psychology, General: 21% male / 79% female
- Political Science and Government, General: 39% male / 61% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Bucknell University.
Return on Investment
$27,000 Median Student Debt
$93,807 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
28.78% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
475.28% Return on Investment
2.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Bucknell University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 61 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Economics, General: 86 completions
2. Psychology, General: 85 completions
3. Political Science and Government, General: 75 completions
4. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 70 completions
5. Accounting and Finance: 70 completions
6. Mechanical Engineering: 42 completions
7. Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 40 completions
8. International Relations and Affairs: 32 completions
9. Chemical Engineering: 30 completions
Most popular programs at Bucknell University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Bucknell University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Bucknell University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 97.1%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $13,254
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $24,614
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Bucknell University is a private non-profit institution located in Lewisburg, PA, classified as Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Economics, General, Psychology, General, Political Science and Government, General. Enrollment is approximately 3,876 students. Student body composition includes White (73.5%), Hispanic or Latino (9.0%), Non-Resident Alien (4.5%). It is selective, with an admission rate of 28.93%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1410. The 150%-time completion rate is 86.32%. Approximately 12.38% of students receive Pell Grants. About 12.0% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
Location
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Region: Mid East
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 86.32% graduation rate, Bucknell University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Bucknell University graduates report median earnings of $93,807 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 61 distinct degree programs, Bucknell University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bucknell University located?
Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA.
What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Bucknell University is 28.9% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 11,010 applicants and 3,524 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Bucknell University cost?
Reported tuition is $67,812 and average net price is $40,766 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $16,924 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Bucknell University?
Bucknell University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 4,036 students, White (73.5%), Hispanic or Latino (9.0%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Bucknell University?
About 12.0% of students at Bucknell University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Bucknell University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Bucknell University reports midpoint SAT about 1410 and midpoint ACT about 31.
What do graduates of Bucknell University earn?
Median earnings are $78,852 six years after entry and $93,807 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Bucknell University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 86.3% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Bucknell University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $27,000.
Is Bucknell University public or private?
Bucknell University is a private nonprofit institution located in Lewisburg, PA.
Is Bucknell University an HBCU?
No. Bucknell University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Bucknell University a tribal college?
No. Bucknell University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Pennsylvania college costs
- Pennsylvania colleges by ROI
- Mid East regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Pennsylvania
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.