Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
- Bucknell Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 17
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bucknell University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $40,766 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Bucknell University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Bucknell University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $93,807 at ten years.
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, 12% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,766, roughly $506 a year less
- 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
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,666, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick Bucknell University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $40,766 vs $41,272.
Pick Bucknell University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 86% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but Bucknell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bucknell University is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,257.
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, Bucknell University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,766, about $506 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach also borrow less: median debt of $23,666, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,024 before any change in aid. Choosing Bucknell 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 $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 19% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Bucknell University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Bucknell University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach leans toward Transportation, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Bucknell competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bucknell offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical 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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates in Transportation, Criminal Justice. 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Bucknell University is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,766 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Bucknell University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 67%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bucknell 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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