Simmons University vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Simmons University in Boston, MA with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Simmons University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Simmons University vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons University 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 Simmons University than Bucknell ($28,691 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 3.9% lower than at Simmons University ($16,924 vs. $17,618).
• Bucknell University is 44.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $20,938 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.7% higher at Bucknell than at Simmons University (about $20,938 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 27.4% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($44,734 vs. $35,123).

Simmons University vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simmons University 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 Simmons University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 80 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 1220/1390; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 26/34; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simmons University - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at Simmons University vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Simmons University vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simmons University 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $23,500 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Simmons University 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 Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 80%)

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.