Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Rice University
- Bucknell Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 16
- Rice Wins
- 31
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, Rice University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rice 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, 5% more than Rice University
Rice
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $27,396 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 8% 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); Rice in Biology & Biomedical (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 Rice University. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $89,718.
Pick Rice University over Bucknell University. Net price $13,370 vs $40,766.
Pick Rice University over Bucknell University. 1.6% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Rice University over Bucknell University. 95% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Rice University are close on paper, but Rice 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
Rice University is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while Bucknell University takes 29%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rice 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, Rice University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,370, about $27,396 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $109,584 before any change in aid. Choosing Rice 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 $89,718 at Rice University. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
Rice University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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
Rice University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Rice University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Rice 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 Rice 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. Rice University saves about $27,396 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $4,089 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 Social Sciences, while Rice University leans toward Computer Science & IT. 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 Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $11,000 at Rice University.
No strong negative signals — Rice competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Bucknell (54.7% Early Decision admit rate vs 11.3%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
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.
Rice University
Houston, TX · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Rice University attracts driven students who are eager to excel academically and socially. This private nonprofit institution in Houston is ideal for those interested in fields like Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The strong graduation rate of 95% speaks volumes about the supportive environment here, where students are encouraged to dive deep into their studies and collaborate across disciplines.
Graduates from Rice see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $89,718 just ten years after finishing their degree. This figure is significant because it highlights the school's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. While 17% of students rely on Pell Grants, the overall affordability of education here, combined with the strong salary potential, makes it a viable option for many.
When it comes to the practical side of things, the net price after aid is around $13,370, and the median debt for graduates is relatively low at $11,000. These numbers suggest that students can graduate with manageable debt, which is a big plus in today’s economy. Those who thrive here are often collaborative, ambitious, and ready to engage with a diverse community, making the most of the excellent academic resources available to them.
Rankings They Appear On
Rice University is featured on the Best Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Rice leads with Biology (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 Rice).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Business & Marketing, while Rice University concentrates in 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 Rice University?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 29% at Bucknell University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Rice University?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,718 at Rice University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Rice University?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 86%.
Bucknell University vs Rice University: which is better for social mobility?
Rice University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Rice University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice 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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