Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Emory University
- Bucknell Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 16
- Emory Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Emory University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,585 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, Emory University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Emory 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, 17% more than Emory University
Emory
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,585, roughly $18,181 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% 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); Emory in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Emory University. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $80,137.
Pick Emory University over Bucknell University. Net price $22,585 vs $40,766.
Pick Emory University over Bucknell University. 1.8% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Emory University over Bucknell University. 91% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Emory University are close on paper, but Emory University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Emory University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Bucknell University takes 29%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Emory 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, Emory University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,585, about $18,181 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Emory University also borrow less: median debt of $18,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $72,724 before any change in aid. Choosing Emory 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 $80,137 at Emory University. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, Emory University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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
Emory University graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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
Emory University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Emory University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Emory 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 Emory 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. Emory University saves about $18,181 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $13,670 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Bucknell University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Emory 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 Emory University's $22,585.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $18,250 at Emory University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and Emory University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Emory University's enrollment of 7,298 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Emory holds onto its admits more tightly: 40% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Bucknell — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Bucknell (54.7% Early Decision admit rate vs 23.2%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Emory, where only about 63% 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.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
Emory University has an impressive graduation rate of 91%. This high percentage reflects the strong support systems in place for students and their ability to successfully navigate their academic journeys. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Emory attracts a competitive pool of applicants, ensuring a diverse and engaged student body.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Emory's graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after enrollment. This earning potential suggests that students are well-prepared for the job market, particularly in fields like business, health professions, and social sciences. While detailed mobility rates are not available, the strong outcomes indicate that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can succeed here.
The net price for attending Emory is $22,585, with a median debt of $18,250. This financial framework allows many students to graduate with manageable debt levels. Emory is ideal for motivated students who thrive in an academically rigorous environment and seek strong career outcomes post-graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
Emory University is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Emory leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Emory).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Engineering, while Emory University concentrates in Health Professions. 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 Emory University?
Emory University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 29% at Bucknell University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Emory University?
Emory University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,585 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Emory University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,137 at Emory University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Emory University?
Emory University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 86%.
Bucknell University vs Emory University: which is better for social mobility?
Emory University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Emory University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Emory 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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