Bucknell vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Bucknell vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than Bucknell ($29,325 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 6.4% lower than at Bucknell University ($15,834 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 42.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $20,307 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at Bucknell than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $20,307 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 27.8% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($44,734 vs. $35,007).

Bucknell vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 140 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Bucknell vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Jefferson? 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $46,600 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jefferson students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 86%)

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.