Fordham vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Fordham University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (16,150 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fordham University is located in Bronx, NY (Large City setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Fordham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fordham University 14:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Fordham vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fordham 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 Fordham ($39,003 vs. $48,190).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 29.7% lower than at Fordham University ($16,924 vs. $24,090).
• Bucknell University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fordham (about $2,897 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,915.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Bucknell than at Fordham University (about $2,897 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,915.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fordham University than at Bucknell University (95% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 24.3% larger than aid received by Fordham University students ($44,734 vs. $35,988).

Fordham vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fordham 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 Fordham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fordham University (1400) is 10 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Fordham students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Bucknell (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fordham University 1320/1480; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fordham University 30/33; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fordham - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fordham Jan 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fordham students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Fordham has a higher acceptance rate (59.3%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Fordham vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Fordham vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fordham 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 Fordham University's (78%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Fordham graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $64,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fordham University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fordham graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fordham students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 77%)

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.