U of R vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

U of R vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R 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 U of R ($39,003 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 14.5% lower than at University of Rochester ($16,924 vs. $19,792).
• Bucknell University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $732 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Bucknell than at University of Rochester (about $732 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Bucknell University (72% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 1.7% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($45,500 vs. $44,734).

U of R vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R 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 U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 90 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming U of R students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

U of R vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R 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 University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 79%)

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.