Purchase College vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare SUNY at Purchase College in Purchase, 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 Purchase College based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• SUNY at Purchase College is located in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: SUNY at Purchase College 12:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Purchase College vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Bucknell ($18,211 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 2.9% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,436 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 657.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $58,859 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 253.1% higher at Bucknell than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $48,609 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at Bucknell University (72% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 328.8% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($44,734 vs. $10,432).

Purchase College vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 110 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY at Purchase College 27/30; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Purchase College - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purchase College Jul 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bucknell students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Purchase College vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Purchase College vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $36,100 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 65%)

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.