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Bucknell University vs Colgate University

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

15
Bucknell Wins
6
Tied / N/A
21
Colgate Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Rural
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,876
Enrollment
3,180
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1410
SAT Average
1508
31
ACT Midpoint
33
1310-1470
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$70,306
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,306
$40,766
Average Net Price
$28,786
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$6,086
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,678
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,617
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,234
12%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
91%
94%
Retention Rate
93%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,098
12%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

52%
Female
58%
73%
White
64%
9%
Hispanic
10%
4%
Black
4%
4%
Asian
5%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.56

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$64,949
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$74,696
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$85,139
$27,000
Median Debt
$15,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
88%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
87.41%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3653.6%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
239.2%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$208,900

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
9.4%

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.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $85,139 earnings $28,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Colgate University attracts students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply with their studies. This school is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The tight-knit community and emphasis on critical thinking make it a place where students can really thrive.

After graduation, Colgate alums see an impressive median earnings of $85,139 after ten years. This strong financial outcome reflects not just the quality of education, but also the commitment of students to leverage their degrees in meaningful ways. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 13%, the majority of students manage to find success in their careers, illustrating that hard work and dedication pay off.

On the practical side, the net price after aid stands at $28,786, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $15,000 is relatively low, suggesting that most students graduate with a solid financial footing. Those who tend to thrive here are motivated individuals seeking a challenging academic environment and who value the connections made during their time at Colgate.

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