Bucknell vs. University of Scranton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Scranton is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (4,724 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); University of Scranton is in Scranton, PA (Small City setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Scranton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; University of Scranton 11:1.

Bucknell vs. University of Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or University of Scranton? 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 University of Scranton than Bucknell ($34,234 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 2.6% lower than at University of Scranton ($16,924 vs. $17,380).
• Bucknell University is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Scranton (about $13,829 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at Bucknell than at University of Scranton (about $13,829 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Scranton than at Bucknell University (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by University of Scranton students ($44,734 vs. $35,606).

Bucknell vs. University of Scranton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bucknell or University of Scranton? 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 University of Scranton and Bucknell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 150 points higher than at University of Scranton (1240).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at University of Scranton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; University of Scranton 1160/1318.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; University of Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bucknell students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 11.3% at University of Scranton.

Bucknell vs. University of Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and University of Scranton? 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 University of Scranton's (77%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than University of Scranton graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Scranton and Bucknell graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Scranton and Bucknell graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Scranton students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 81%)

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.