Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Cornell University
- Bucknell Wins
- 6
- Tied
- 16
- Cornell Wins
- 32
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Cornell University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,690 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, Cornell University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Cornell University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bucknell
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Cornell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than Bucknell University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,690, roughly $12,076 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); Cornell in Computer Science & IT (19%). 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 Cornell University over Bucknell University. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $93,807.
Pick Cornell University over Bucknell University. Net price $28,690 vs $40,766.
Pick Cornell University over Bucknell University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Cornell University over Bucknell University. 95% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Cornell University are close on paper, but Cornell University 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
Cornell University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Bucknell University takes 29%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,535.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Cornell 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, Cornell University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,690, about $12,076 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $48,304 before any change in aid. Choosing Cornell University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Cornell University graduates report median earnings of $104,043, compared with $93,807 at Bucknell University. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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
Cornell University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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
Cornell University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Cornell University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Cornell 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 Cornell University 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. Bucknell University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Cornell University leans toward Computer Science & IT, 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 Cornell University's $28,690.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $14,000 at Cornell University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Bucknell University's enrollment, and Cornell University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Cornell University's enrollment of 15,995 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Cornell holds onto its admits more tightly: 69% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Bucknell — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bucknell offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Cornell does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Cornell, where only about 56% 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.
After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.
The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.
Rankings They Appear On
Cornell University is featured on the Best Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Cornell leads with Computer Science (19%).
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 Cornell).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Social Sciences, while Cornell 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 Cornell University?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 29% at Bucknell University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Cornell University?
Cornell University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,690 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Cornell University graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $93,807 at Bucknell University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Cornell University?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 86%.
Bucknell University vs Cornell University: which is better for social mobility?
Cornell University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Cornell University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Cornell University 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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