Chapman vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Chapman vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or Bucknell? 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 Chapman ($39,003 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 5% lower than at Chapman University ($16,924 vs. $17,814).
• Bucknell University is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chapman (about $2,828 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Bucknell than at Chapman University (about $2,828 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at Bucknell University (88% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 26.2% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($44,734 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 40 points higher than at Chapman (1350).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Chapman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Chapman vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and Bucknell? 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 Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $22,200 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $6,062 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($20,938 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 65%)

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.