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Bucknell University vs Princeton University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

7
Bucknell Wins
8
Tied / N/A
31
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,876
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1410
SAT Average
1553
31
ACT Midpoint
34
1310-1470
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$40,766
Average Net Price
$6,128
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
12%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
97%
94%
Retention Rate
98%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
12%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

52%
Female
51%
73%
White
34%
9%
Hispanic
10%
4%
Black
9%
4%
Asian
23%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$27,000
Median Debt
$10,320
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
88%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#5
N/A
Teaching Score
90.9
N/A
Research Score
95.4
N/A
Citations Score
99.9

The Overviews

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit

29% accept 86% grad $93,807 earnings $40,766 net

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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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