Bucknell University
Bucknell University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bucknell University at a Glance
Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1846 as the University at Lewisburg, it now consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. It offers 65 majors and 70 minors in the sciences and humanities. Located just south of Lewisburg, the 445-acre (1.80 km2) campus rises above the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
1846
180 years old
$1.3B
$1.26 billion (2025)
3,928
442
450 acres
Identity
Is Bucknell University Worth It?
Bucknell University offers moderate value at $40,766/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $93,807, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 86% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
Admission is competitive with a 29% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How Bucknell University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #6 of 11 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lehigh University | 63 | $36,931 | $105,584 |
| #2 | Trinity University | 63 | $23,464 | $71,668 |
| #3 | Wake Forest University | 61 | $28,719 | $78,158 |
| #4 | Lafayette College | 58 | $34,433 | $91,410 |
| #5 | Trinity College | 54 | $34,832 | $90,779 |
| #6 | Bucknell University | 50 | $40,766 | $93,807 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bucknell University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in PA.
Best Programs at Bucknell University
The highest-earning program at Bucknell University is Chemical Engineering at $76,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $30,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Chemical Engineering graduate from Bucknell University earns $76,200, while a Biology, General graduate earns $30,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Chemical Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,915 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $40,766/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | $76,200 | $76,200 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $65,600 | $65,600 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $64,600 | $64,600 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $64,100 | $64,100 | $27,000 |
| Economics | $49,700 | $49,700 | $23,500 |
| Marketing | $49,300 | $49,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,000 | $49,000 | $26,125 |
| Political Science and Government | $47,300 | $47,300 | $25,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $44,600 | $44,600 | $26,817 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $42,600 | $42,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $36,000 | $36,000 | $25,000 |
| Sociology | $31,000 | $31,000 | $26,315 |
| Biology, General | $30,900 | $30,900 | $26,915 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lewisburg, PA
- Student Body
- 3,876 students
- Admission Rate
- 29%
- Graduation Rate
- 86%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $40,766
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $93,807
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000