Fairfield University vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University 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 Fairfield University ($39,003 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 14.7% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,924 vs. $19,838).
• Bucknell University is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $9,462 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at Bucknell than at Fairfield University (about $9,462 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Bucknell University (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 70.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($44,734 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University 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 Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 60 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Fairfield University vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University 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 Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bucknell University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bucknell University and Fairfield University 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 Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 82%)

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.