Yale vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Yale University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Yale vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale 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 Yale University than Bucknell ($22,408 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 15% lower than at Yale University ($16,924 vs. $19,900).
• Bucknell University is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Yale (about $562 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Bucknell than at Yale University (about $562 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Yale University (59% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 47.3% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($65,892 vs. $44,734).

Yale vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale 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 Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 130 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Yale 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: Yale University 1470/1570; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Yale vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale 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).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than Bucknell University's (91%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $42,100 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($13,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($139 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Yale students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 84%)

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.