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Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA·Private nonprofit·3,818 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $82,400 within 10 years; strong 86% graduation rate.

32%
Accept
3,818
Students
$40,429
Net Price
86%
Grad Rate
$82,400
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

Bucknell University is a private nonprofit institution located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania with approximately 3,818 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 32% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $40,429 per year. The graduation rate is 86%, and the typical graduate earns $82,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1846 as the University at Lewisburg, it now consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. It offers 65 majors and 70 minors in the sciences and humanities. Located just south of Lewisburg, the 445-acre (1.80 km2) campus rises above the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

This is a strong option for students who want a tight-knit liberal arts and engineering experience — a 96% freshman retention rate signals that students who get here tend to stay and thrive, and median earnings of $82,400 a decade out suggest the degree holds real value. At $40,429 average net price per year, it's a significant investment, though the $23,250 median debt at graduation is relatively manageable compared to many peers. Worth considering if you're drawn to a smaller campus community and can secure merit or need-based aid to close the cost gap.

Founded
1846
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Social Sciences24%
Engineering20%
Business & Marketing16%
Biological Sciences13%
Psychology6%
Education3%
Computer Science2%
Mathematics2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Philip RothRalph WaiteEdward HerrmannJon Robert HoldenTimothy J. KellerChristy MathewsonGbenga AkinnagbeTheodore Van KirkMike MuscalaPeter BalakianDavid KahnLes Moonves

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1389
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile740

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite31

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,772
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,772
Avg Net Price
$40,429
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants11%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
86%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
96%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$82,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$62,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$82,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White75%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,818 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bucknell University

One Dent Drive

Lewisburg, PA 17837

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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