Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs New York University
- Bucknell Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 15
- New York Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,050 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, New York University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, New York 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, 14% more than New York University
New York
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $3,716 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, 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); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). 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 New York University. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick New York University over Bucknell University. Net price $37,050 vs $40,766.
Pick New York University over Bucknell University. 3.6% 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 New York University are close on paper, but New York 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
New York 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 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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, New York University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,050, about $3,716 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of New York University also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $14,864 before any change in aid. Choosing New York 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, New York University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York 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 New York 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. New York University saves about $3,716 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $11,298 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, Biology & Biomedical, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing. 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 $20,500 at New York University.
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Bucknell — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at New York, where only about 38% 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.
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
New York University is featured on the Best MBA Programs for General Management ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
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 New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, 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 New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 29% at Bucknell University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or New York University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or New York University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or New York University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 86%.
Bucknell University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York 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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