About Bucknell University
The sticker price hits $81,790 annually, but most families pay less through generous financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $21,406, while those from higher-income households typically pay around $55,354. Graduates earn a median salary of $93,807 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 quite manageable. The investment pays off with a 96% employment rate and strong alumni networks in finance and engineering.
The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 23% of students from Pennsylvania. Campus life revolves around Greek organizations and varsity sports, with 743 student-athletes competing across 23 Division I teams. The 95.84% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit Bison community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.2%
- Retention Rate
- 95.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $93,807
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $87,604 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $81,498 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,002 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,147 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,610 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,102 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and dining hall conversations. Greek life dominates weekend social scenes, though the university has been working to diversify campus activities. Students pack into Sojka Pavilion for Patriot League basketball games against rival Lafayette. The Bison nickname reflects the school's stubborn pride and tight community bonds.
Downtown Lewisburg offers a few restaurants and shops within walking distance, but most socializing happens on the scenic 450-acre campus. With 95.84% of students returning each year, the retention rate reflects genuine satisfaction despite the rural isolation. Study abroad programs and internships provide escapes from the "Bucknell bubble." Students either embrace the small-town intensity or transfer elsewhere after freshman year.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 3,376 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1846
Campus Safety (2023)
64 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 21 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.2%
- Women
- 52.8%
- White
- 74.6%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 4.5%
- In-State Students
- 22.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.1%
Location
- Address
- Lewisburg, Pennsylvania 17837
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $93,807
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $90,297
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $62,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 89.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bucknell University?
Bucknell accepts 32.55% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1470 on the SAT, reflecting the university's reputation for attracting high-achieving students to its engineering and business programs.
How much does Bucknell University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $40,429, though this varies by income level. Students from families earning under $48,000 typically pay around $20,000, while those from higher-income families may pay over $55,000 despite the $64,772 sticker price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bucknell University?
Bucknell maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 3,818 students. This small class size reflects the university's commitment to personalized education and close mentorship, particularly valuable in its competitive engineering and business programs.
How much do Bucknell University graduates earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $93,807 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. The 96% employment rate and strong alumni network, including figures like former CBS CEO Les Moonves, help students launch successful careers.
Where is Bucknell University located and what is campus life like?
Bucknell sits in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, a small college town that creates a tight-knit campus community. With housing capacity for 3,376 students and a 95.84% retention rate, most students stay all four years and become deeply connected to campus life.
Does Bucknell University have strong athletic programs?
Bucknell competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Patriot League with 23 varsity sports and 743 total athletes. The Bison are particularly known for their basketball program and maintain rivalries with schools like Colgate and Lafayette, adding school spirit to the close-knit campus culture.
