Bucknell vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bucknell vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Villanova? 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 Villanova University than Bucknell ($37,201 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 4.4% lower than at Villanova University ($16,924 vs. $17,694).
• Bucknell University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Villanova (about $36 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,776.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Bucknell than at Villanova University (about $36 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,776.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Villanova University (59% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 6.4% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($47,609 vs. $44,734).

Bucknell vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 60 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Bucknell vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Villanova? 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 Villanova University's (90%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Villanova University graduates have a $503 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,497 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Villanova graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bucknell students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.