Hamilton College vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Hamilton College in Clinton, 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 Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Hamilton College vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College than Bucknell ($28,719 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 3.3% lower than at Hamilton College ($16,924 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $1,148 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at Hamilton College than at Bucknell University (about $1,148 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Hamilton College (59% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 24.1% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($55,511 vs. $44,734).

Hamilton College vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 110 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Hamilton College 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: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Hamilton College vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bucknell students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 89%)

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.