Overview of Bucknell University

Bucknell University is a private liberal arts institution situated in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The institution has the atmosphere of a small liberal arts institution with the course offerings of a comprehensive institution. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. Because of its accomplishments in STEM and the liberal arts, Phi Beta Kappa granted the university membership.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 3,668 (3,597 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 49 percent male/51 percent female
• 100 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $58,196
• Books: $900
• Room and Board: $14,174
• Other Expenses: $2,130
• Total Cost: $75,400

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 59 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 52 percent
  • Loans: 30 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $30,855
  • Loans: $6,258

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Economics, General; Accounting and Finance; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Political Science and Government, General; and Psychology, General

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 92 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 8%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 85 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 88 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cheerleading-Dance Team, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis

In athletics, the Bucknell University Bison’s play in the NCAA Division I Patriot League.

Overview of Bucknell University Admissions

Bucknell University boasts a competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high mean SAT/ACT scores. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. It also requires at least one supplemental essay. Your essay needs to convey your unique qualities and abilities. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range.

Admissions Data

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Bucknell University had an acceptance rate of 33%.  for every 100 students who provided applications, 33 students gained admission, making Bucknell’s admissions process competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

Beginning with the 2019-2020 application cycle, Bucknell will be test-optional for most students. During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 67% of admitted students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Bucknell’s admitted students score within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students to Bucknell scored between 620 and 690, while 25% scored below 620 on the reading and writing part, and 25% scored over 690. On the math part, 50% of admitted students scored between 630 and 730, while 25% scored below 630, and 25% scored over 730. Applicants with an overall SAT score of 1420 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Bucknell.

ACT Requirements and Scores

Beginning with the 2019-2020 application cycle, Bucknell will be test-optional for most students. During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 43% of admitted students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of Bucknell’s admitted students score within the top 11% nationally on the ACT.  50% of students admitted to Bucknell received an overall ACT score between 28 and 32, while 25% scored over 32 and 25% scored below 28.

GPA

The average high school GPA of Bucknell’s incoming freshman class was 3.56 in 2019. Most successful applicants have A and B grades primarily

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Bucknell University, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If Bucknell University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Syracuse University, Drexel University, University of Cincinnati, Penn State University Park, United States Military Academy, Hofstra University, Temple University

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Bucknell University, then you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of Miami, University of Washington, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Stony Brook University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Connecticut, University of Georgia

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Bucknell University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Michigan, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York University, Boston University, Boston College, Villanova University, Binghamton University

Applying to Bucknell University

Application Deadline: January 15

Undergraduate Admissions Website: https://www.bucknell.edu/admissions-aid

Undergraduate Application Link(s): https://www.bucknell.edu/admissions-aid/apply-bucknell

Graduate Admissions Website: https://www.bucknell.edu/academics/graduate-studies      

Graduate Application Link(s): https://www1.bucknell.edu/script/provost/GradAdmissionApp/