Cornell vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cornell vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell 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 Cornell University than Bucknell ($26,361 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 12.9% lower than at Cornell University ($16,924 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $1,502 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Cornell than at Bucknell University (about $1,502 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Cornell University (59% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 38.1% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($61,779 vs. $44,734).

Cornell vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell 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 Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 150 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Cornell vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell 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).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Bucknell University's (91%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $22,100 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornell students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 87%)

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.