Bucknell vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

Lehigh University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bucknell vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University than Bucknell ($34,154 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 1.7% lower than at Lehigh University ($16,924 vs. $17,220).
• Bucknell University is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lehigh (about $2,832 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Bucknell than at Lehigh University (about $2,832 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lehigh University than at Bucknell University (65% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 4.5% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($46,731 vs. $44,734).

Bucknell vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 50 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Lehigh 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: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Bucknell vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University's (87%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $2,744 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($24,256 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lehigh students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 89%)

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.