At $40,429/yr net price, Bucknell University graduates earn $93,807/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $59,807/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,429 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $161,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $93,807/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$59,807/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,406/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,554/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,932/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,128/yr |
| $110,001+ | $55,354/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $87,604 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $81,498 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,002 | $19,500 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,147 | $26,881 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,610 | $27,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,102 | $25,888 |
The Risk Factor
86.2% of students at Bucknell University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Bucknell University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $93,807 ten years out justifying the $40,429 annual net price for many students. The 86% graduation rate means you have strong odds of finishing your degree, though the high retention rate of 96% suggests academic pressure that some students may struggle with.
Engineering majors see the strongest payoffs at Bucknell, particularly computer and chemical engineering programs that command salaries above $76,000. Computer science also performs well at $81,498, making STEM fields your best bet for maximizing returns. Liberal arts majors face tougher financial prospects given the school's premium pricing.
The biggest financial risk is Bucknell's location in rural Pennsylvania, which limits local internship and job opportunities compared to urban campuses. You'll likely need to relocate after graduation to access the highest-paying positions, adding moving costs and reducing your immediate network advantages.
Only 11% of students receive need-based aid, signaling that Bucknell primarily serves wealthy families who can afford the full cost. If you qualify for significant financial aid elsewhere, those options will likely offer better value unless you're pursuing engineering at Bucknell specifically.
This school makes financial sense if your family can comfortably afford the cost without excessive borrowing and you're targeting engineering or computer science careers. Students needing substantial aid or pursuing lower-earning majors should consider state schools or institutions with more generous financial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bucknell University worth the high cost?
Bucknell graduates earn a median of $93,807 ten years after graduation, which helps offset the $40,429 annual net price. However, the return depends heavily on your major - engineering students see much better outcomes than liberal arts graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Bucknell University?
Computer Engineering leads at $87,604 median salary, followed by Computer Science at $81,498 and Chemical Engineering at $76,460. These technical programs justify Bucknell's cost better than most other majors at the school.
How much debt do Bucknell University students graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable given the $93,807 average earnings after ten years. Most engineering graduates can handle this debt load comfortably.
Does Bucknell University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $40,429 per year is still quite high even after financial aid. For families without significant financial need, Bucknell can be difficult to afford without substantial borrowing.