George Washington vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

George Washington vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington 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 George Washington ($39,003 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 0% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,920 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than George Washington (about $102 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Bucknell than at George Washington University (about $102 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Bucknell University (78% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($44,734 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington 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 George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 40 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

George Washington vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington 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 George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Washington University graduates have a $2,038 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($24,962 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, George Washington graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington 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.