Clarkson vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Bucknell University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Clarkson vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson 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 Clarkson University than Bucknell ($32,406 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 7.3% lower than at Clarkson University ($16,924 vs. $18,252).
• Bucknell University is 14.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $8,414 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.2% higher at Bucknell than at Clarkson University (about $8,414 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 4% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($46,528 vs. $44,734).

Clarkson vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson 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 Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 90 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Clarkson vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson 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 Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bucknell University and Clarkson graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bucknell University and Clarkson 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 Clarkson 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.