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Bucknell University vs Clemson University

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

20
Bucknell Wins
10
Tied / N/A
16
Clemson Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Town
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
3,876
Enrollment
23,300
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
38%
1410
SAT Average
1353
31
ACT Midpoint
30
1310-1470
SAT Range
1240-1410

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$15,554
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,866
$40,766
Average Net Price
$22,253
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$13,607
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$14,109
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$18,851
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,922
12%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
31%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
87%
94%
Retention Rate
93%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$12,153
12%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
50%
73%
White
76%
9%
Hispanic
9%
4%
Black
5%
4%
Asian
3%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.41

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$58,311
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$65,822
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$71,513
$27,000
Median Debt
$21,500
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.3x
88%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
120.14%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3784.3%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
317.5%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$120,200

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.57
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
5.0%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#350-400
N/A
Teaching Score
20.8
N/A
Research Score
17
N/A
Citations Score
25.5

The Overviews

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.

Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

38% accept 87% grad $71,513 earnings $22,253 net

Clemson University is a great fit for students who seek a strong sense of community and a variety of academic paths. With around 23,300 undergraduates, there’s a vibrant campus life, and the acceptance rate of 38% means it’s selective but still accessible for many. Students frequently dive into programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Biology & Biomedical, which are well-regarded and align with industry needs.

Looking ahead, graduates from Clemson can expect promising outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $71,513, which reflects the value of their education in real-world terms. While the affordability of higher education continues to be a concern, Clemson’s net price after aid is around $22,253, making it a reasonable option for many families. This financial aspect is crucial, especially when considering long-term financial mobility.

On a practical level, students here graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Those who thrive at Clemson tend to be proactive and engaged, taking advantage of both educational and extracurricular opportunities. With a graduation rate of 87%, it’s clear that many find their stride and succeed in completing their degrees, setting them up for a bright future.

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