Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Clarkson University
- Bucknell Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 13
- Clarkson Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Clarkson University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bucknell University achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 74%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,766 compared to Clarkson University's $30,305 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Clarkson University'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
Bucknell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, 5% more than Clarkson University
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Clarkson
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,305, roughly $10,461 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); Clarkson in Engineering (54%). 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 Bucknell University over Clarkson University. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $89,696.
Pick Clarkson University over Bucknell University. Net price $30,305 vs $40,766.
Pick Clarkson University over Bucknell University. 3% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Bucknell University over Clarkson University. 86% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Clarkson University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Bucknell University is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while Clarkson University takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,304.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bucknell University 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, Clarkson University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,305, about $10,461 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Clarkson University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $41,844 before any change in aid. Choosing Clarkson University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bucknell University graduates report median earnings of $93,807, compared with $89,696 at Clarkson University. That is a 5% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
Bucknell University graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% 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
Clarkson University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Clarkson University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Clarkson University 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 Clarkson University to keep costs and debt down; pick Bucknell University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Clarkson University saves about $10,461 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $4,111 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Bucknell University is harder to get into, with a 29% admit rate, but Clarkson University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Bucknell University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Clarkson University leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,766 runs well above Clarkson University's $30,305.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and Clarkson University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Bucknell University's enrollment of 3,876 far exceeds Clarkson University's 2,196.
No strong negative signals — Clarkson competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bucknell offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Clarkson does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
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.
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of 77%, Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, is a solid choice for students seeking a blend of academic rigor and community feel. It's particularly suitable for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business and Marketing, Biology, Computer Science, and Psychology. The hands-on learning and collaborative environment stand out, making it easier for students to connect their studies to real-world applications.
Looking at what comes after graduation, the average earnings ten years out is $89,696. This figure is telling; it suggests that graduates from Clarkson tend to find good job opportunities that lead to solid financial stability. While the median debt is $26,000, the affordability of education here can help mitigate the long-term financial burden for many students.
When we talk about the practical side of attending Clarkson, the net price after aid hovers around $30,305. This cost is manageable compared to what many private institutions charge, especially when considering the potential return on investment. Students who thrive here are typically those who are proactive, engaged, and eager to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The supportive campus community also plays a role in helping students succeed.
Rankings They Appear On
Bucknell University is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Clarkson leads with Mechanical Engineering (54%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Clarkson).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Social Sciences, while Clarkson University concentrates in Computer Science & IT. 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 Bucknell University or Clarkson University?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 77% at Clarkson University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Clarkson University?
Clarkson University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,305 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Clarkson University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,696 at Clarkson University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Clarkson University?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 74%.
Bucknell University vs Clarkson University: which is better for social mobility?
Clarkson University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Clarkson University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Clarkson University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bucknell University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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