Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs Union College
- Bucknell Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 17
- Union Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Union College offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Bucknell University achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,766 compared to Union College's $34,561 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Union College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 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, 6% more than Union College
- 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
Union
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,561, roughly $6,205 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,337, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $88,604.
Pick Union College over Bucknell University. Net price $34,561 vs $40,766.
Pick Bucknell University over Union College. 86% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and Union College 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 Union College takes 44%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,395.
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, Union College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,561, about $6,205 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of Union College also borrow less: median debt of $25,337, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $24,820 before any change in aid. Choosing Union College 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 $88,604 at Union College. That is a 6% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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 Union College 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. Union College saves about $6,205 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $5,203 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,766 runs well above Union College's $34,561.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Bucknell University's enrollment of 3,876 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
No strong negative signals — Union competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bucknell offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Union 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
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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
Rankings They Appear On
Union College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Psychology ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 21% of Bucknell's student body and 21% of Union's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Bucknell) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Business & Marketing, while Union College concentrates in Humanities. 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 Union College?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or Union College?
Union College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,561 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or Union College graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,604 at Union College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or Union College?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 83%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Union College 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Bucknell and Union stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
