Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Bucknell Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 21
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bucknell University achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 79%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,766 compared to Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 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, 8% more than Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Saint Joseph's
- Lower cost: Average net price of $29,689, roughly $11,077 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); Saint Joseph's in Business & Marketing (39%). 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $86,881.
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Bucknell University. Net price $29,689 vs $40,766.
Pick Bucknell University over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. 86% completion rate vs 79%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia are close on paper, but Bucknell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bucknell University is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,258.
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, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,689, about $11,077 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia also borrow less: median debt of $25,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $44,308 before any change in aid. Choosing Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. That is a 8% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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
Bucknell University graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 79%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia to keep costs and debt down; pick Bucknell University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia saves about $11,077 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $6,926 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, Engineering, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions. 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
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
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.
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Bucknell University and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia appear together in 4 rankings. On the Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania, Bucknell University ranks #8 — Bucknell University outranks Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia by 35 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Saint Joseph's leads with Business Administration (39%).
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 Saint Joseph's).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Social Sciences, Engineering, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,689 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 79%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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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