Ithaca College vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Ithaca College is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (4,767 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ithaca College is located in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ithaca College 10:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Ithaca College vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ithaca 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 Ithaca College than Bucknell ($35,253 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 4.3% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,192 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 26.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $14,272 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.7% higher at Bucknell than at Ithaca College (about $14,272 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($44,734 vs. $33,450).

Ithaca College vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 80 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ithaca College 1230/1390; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ithaca College 27/30; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ithaca College - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at Ithaca College vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Ithaca College vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ithaca 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 Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $20,200 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ithaca College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 84%)

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.