Bucknell vs. F&M

Comparable Facts

Compare Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA with Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bucknell University is larger than F&M based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 1,808 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Franklin and Marshall College is in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; Franklin and Marshall College 9:1.

Bucknell vs. F&M Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or F&M? 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 F&M ($39,003 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franklin and Marshall College are 4.3% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,188 vs. $16,924).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $2,982 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at F&M than at Bucknell University (about $2,982 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin and Marshall College than at Bucknell University (80% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 6.8% larger than aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students ($44,734 vs. $41,901).

Bucknell vs. F&M Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bucknell or F&M? 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 F&M and Bucknell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is the same as at F&M (1390).
• Incoming Bucknell students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at F&M (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Franklin and Marshall College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; F&M - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; F&M Jan 15, 2027.
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 17.1% at F&M.

Bucknell vs. F&M Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and F&M? 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 Franklin and Marshall College's (85%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than F&M graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin and Marshall College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, F&M graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former F&M students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 88%)

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.