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Boston University vs Bucknell University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

29
Boston Wins
8
Tied / N/A
9
Bucknell Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
18,248
Enrollment
3,876
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
29%
1480
SAT Average
1410
33
ACT Midpoint
31
1420-1530
SAT Range
1310-1470

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$67,812
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,812
$24,402
Average Net Price
$40,766
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$20,980
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$12,276
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$23,679
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,724
19%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
35%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
86%
95%
Retention Rate
94%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
97%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,254
17%
First-Gen Students
12%

Student Body

65%
Female
52%
32%
White
73%
11%
Hispanic
9%
6%
Black
4%
21%
Asian
4%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.44

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$78,852
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$88,483
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$93,807
$23,250
Median Debt
$27,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29x
81%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
146.01%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5515.0%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
264.8%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$149,800

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.84
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
6.1%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
N/A
53.6
Teaching Score
N/A
51.9
Research Score
N/A
91.4
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 89% grad $83,238 earnings $24,402 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.

After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.

When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit

29% accept 86% grad $93,807 earnings $40,766 net

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.

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