Bucknell vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

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

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

Bucknell vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or WCU? 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than Bucknell ($22,546 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are 12.4% lower than at Bucknell University ($14,828 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 529.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $57,037 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 200.1% higher at Bucknell than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $45,213 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Chester University of Pennsylvania than at Bucknell University (73% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 683.6% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($44,734 vs. $5,709).

Bucknell vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 200 points higher than at WCU (1190).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 26 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bucknell students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at WCU (3.43).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 22.4% at WCU.

Bucknell vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and WCU? 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania's (68%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $27,300 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 75%)

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.