JCU vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bucknell University is larger than JCU based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

JCU vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 John Carroll University than Bucknell ($30,030 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 14.2% lower than at Bucknell University ($14,520 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 34.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCU (about $17,312 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.3% higher at Bucknell than at John Carroll University (about $17,312 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 25% larger than aid received by John Carroll University students ($44,734 vs. $35,785).

JCU vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 130 points higher than at JCU (1260).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at JCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• JCU has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

JCU vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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 John Carroll University's (71%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than JCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Carroll University graduates have a $61 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,939 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JCU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 74%)

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.