Pepperdine vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Pepperdine vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine ($39,003 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 22.2% lower than at Pepperdine University ($16,924 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 3.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $2,106 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at Pepperdine than at Bucknell University (about $2,106 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at Bucknell University (91% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 66.1% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($44,734 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 20 points higher than at Pepperdine (1370).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Pepperdine).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Pepperdine vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Pepperdine graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $71,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 75%)

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.