Colgate vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Colgate University in Hamilton, 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 Colgate based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colgate vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate 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 Colgate University than Bucknell ($28,736 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 3.9% lower than at Colgate University ($16,924 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $2,494 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at Colgate than at Bucknell University (about $2,494 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Colgate University (59% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 30.4% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($58,334 vs. $44,734).

Colgate vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colgate 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 Colgate.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 100 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Colgate 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: Colgate University 1430/1540; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Colgate vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate 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).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Bucknell University's (91%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,875 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($166 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate 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.