Bucknell vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Bucknell vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or SMU? 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 SMU ($39,003 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 11.2% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($16,924 vs. $19,064).
• Bucknell University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $772 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Bucknell than at Southern Methodist University (about $772 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Bucknell University (67% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 19.2% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($44,734 vs. $37,520).

Bucknell vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 30 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming SMU 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; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SMU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Bucknell vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 76%)

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.