Wesleyan University vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wesleyan University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University than Bucknell ($23,025 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 14.8% lower than at Wesleyan University ($16,924 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $2,530 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at Wesleyan University than at Bucknell University (about $2,530 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Wesleyan University (59% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 47.5% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($65,995 vs. $44,734).

Wesleyan University vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 90 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Wesleyan University vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Bucknell University's (91%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($180 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 89%)

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.