Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Syracuse University
- Bucknell Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 16
- Syracuse Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Syracuse University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bucknell University achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,766 compared to Syracuse University's $38,793 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Syracuse 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, 18% more than Syracuse University
- 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
Syracuse
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,793, roughly $1,973 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, 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); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Syracuse University over Bucknell University. Net price $38,793 vs $40,766.
Pick Syracuse University over Bucknell University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.5%.
Pick Bucknell University over Syracuse University. 86% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Syracuse 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 Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,375.
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, Syracuse University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,793, about $1,973 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Syracuse University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,892 before any change in aid. Choosing Syracuse 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bucknell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% 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 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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
Syracuse University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Bucknell University, it is 1.5%. Syracuse University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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. Syracuse University saves about $1,973 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $14,643 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 Syracuse University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.9%. 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 Syracuse University leans toward Communications, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Bucknell competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bucknell offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Bucknell University is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 21% of Bucknell's student body and 13% of Syracuse's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while Syracuse University concentrates in Communications, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Syracuse University?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,793 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Syracuse University?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 82%.
Bucknell University vs Syracuse University: which is better for social mobility?
Syracuse University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1.5%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Syracuse 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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