Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs Bucknell University
- Babson Wins
- 32
- Tied
- 11
- Bucknell Wins
- 7
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Babson College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $40,514 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, Babson College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Babson College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 32% more than Bucknell University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,514, roughly $252 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 17% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Bucknell
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); Bucknell in Social Sciences (21%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over Bucknell University. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $93,807.
Pick Babson College over Bucknell University. Net price $40,514 vs $40,766.
Pick Babson College over Bucknell University. 2.8% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Babson College over Bucknell University. 93% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and Bucknell University are close on paper, but Babson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Babson College is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while Bucknell University takes 29%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Babson College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Babson College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,514, about $252 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Babson College also borrow less: median debt of $20,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,008 before any change in aid. Choosing Babson College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $93,807 at Bucknell University. That is a 32% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Babson College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Babson College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.8%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Babson College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Babson College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Babson College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Babson College concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Bucknell University leans toward Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $20,000 at Babson College.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and Babson College offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Babson holds onto its admits more tightly: 39% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Bucknell — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Bucknell (54.7% Early Decision admit rate vs 27.5%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Babson, where only about 25% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 3,876 students, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, is an excellent fit for those seeking a close-knit academic community. The school has a 29% acceptance rate, which reflects a selective approach to admissions, and an impressive graduation rate of 86%. Students here typically dive into programs like Social Sciences, Engineering, Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology, gaining both depth and breadth in their fields.
After graduation, Bucknell alumni find themselves in strong positions, with earnings averaging $93,807 a decade after they leave. This figure illustrates a solid return on investment for the education received, helping graduates build successful careers. While the median debt stands at $27,000, the balance seems manageable when considering the financial pathways that open up for graduates.
When we look at the cost of attendance, the net price after aid is about $40,766, which can feel significant but is often offset by the financial advantages graduates experience. Students who thrive here generally come with a sense of ambition and a commitment to making the most of the resources available. Bucknell seems to attract those ready to engage deeply in their studies and leverage their education for future success.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College and Bucknell University appear together in 7 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Babson College ranks #1 — Babson College outranks Bucknell University by 20 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Babson's top program is Business Administration (100% of enrollment), while Bucknell leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell).
The two schools feed different job markets. while Bucknell University concentrates in Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or Bucknell University?
Babson College is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 29% at Bucknell University.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or Bucknell University?
Babson College is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,514 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Babson College or Bucknell University graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $93,807 at Bucknell University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or Bucknell University?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 86%.
Babson College vs Bucknell University: which is better for social mobility?
Babson College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.8% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Babson College or Bucknell University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Babson College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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