Bucknell vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Bucknell University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bucknell vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College than Bucknell ($34,739 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 14% lower than at Bucknell University ($14,548 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $5,007 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at Bucknell than at Muhlenberg College (about $5,007 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Bucknell University (99% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 5.1% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($44,734 vs. $42,545).

Bucknell vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 60 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Bucknell students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Muhlenberg College (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bucknell students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Bucknell vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 84%)

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.