Bucknell vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bucknell vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($39,003 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 6.5% lower than at Drexel University ($16,924 vs. $18,096).
• Bucknell University is 8.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $5,400 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at Bucknell than at Drexel University (about $5,400 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 27.6% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($44,734 vs. $35,051).

Bucknell vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bucknell or Drexel? 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 Drexel and Bucknell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 50 points higher than at Drexel (1340).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drexel students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Bucknell vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Drexel? 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).

• Bucknell University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drexel University graduates have a $757 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,243 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drexel graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 77%)

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.