William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare William Paterson University of New Jersey in Wayne, NJ with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Paterson University of New Jersey is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (9,942 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Paterson University of New Jersey is located in Wayne, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Paterson University of New Jersey 18:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey than Bucknell ($13,509 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Paterson University of New Jersey are 4% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,240 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 331.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $52,108 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $15,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 167.6% higher at Bucknell than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $42,468 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $25,344.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey than at Bucknell University (86% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 197.4% larger than aid received by William Paterson University of New Jersey students ($44,734 vs. $15,040).

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 220 points higher than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Paterson University of New Jersey 990/1345; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Paterson University of New Jersey - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: William Paterson University of New Jersey Jun 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bucknell students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at William Paterson University of New Jersey (2.97).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey's (46%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $29,800 more per year than William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 59%)

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.