Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs George Washington University
- Bucknell Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 16
- George Washington Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bucknell University achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,766 compared to George Washington University's $36,586 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington 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, 3% more than George Washington University
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Washington
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $4,180 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). 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 George Washington University. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $90,873.
Pick George Washington University over Bucknell University. Net price $36,586 vs $40,766.
Pick George Washington University over Bucknell University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and George Washington University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Bucknell University is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,433.
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, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $4,180 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $16,720 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington 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 $90,873 at George Washington University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington 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 George Washington 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. George Washington University saves about $4,180 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $2,934 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Bucknell University is harder to get into, with a 29% admit rate, but George Washington University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Bucknell University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while George Washington University leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $20,449 at George Washington University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bucknell holds onto its admits more tightly: 28% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at George Washington, where only about 50% 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.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 21% of Bucknell's student body and 33% of George Washington's.
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 George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while George Washington University concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology. 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.
Bucknell
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bucknell University or George Washington University?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,873 at George Washington University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or George Washington University?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 85%.
Bucknell University vs George Washington University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or George Washington University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington 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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