Brandeis University vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Brandeis University vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Bucknell? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bucknell University than Brandeis University ($39,003 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 15.1% lower than at Brandeis University ($16,924 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $268 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Brandeis University than at Bucknell University (about $268 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Bucknell University (62% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 4.4% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($44,734 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Bucknell? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bucknell and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 70 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Brandeis University vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Bucknell? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Brandeis University is the same as at Bucknell University (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bucknell University and Brandeis University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bucknell University and Brandeis University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.