Head-to-Head Comparison
Bucknell University vs University of Georgia
- Bucknell Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 18
- Georgia Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,936 vs Bucknell University's $40,766, University of Georgia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia'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, 36% more than University of Georgia
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $26,830 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bucknell graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% of degrees); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 University of Georgia. Median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over Bucknell University. Net price $13,936 vs $40,766.
Pick Bucknell University over University of Georgia. 1.5% mobility rate vs 1.1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bucknell University and University of Georgia 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 University of Georgia takes 38%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,397.
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, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $26,830 a year below Bucknell University's $40,766. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $107,320 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 36% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Georgia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 36% 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.
Moving people up
Bucknell University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.5%; at University of Georgia, it is 1.1%. University of Georgia also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Bucknell 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 University of Georgia 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. University of Georgia saves about $26,830 a year, yet Bucknell University graduates earn $25,081 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 University of Georgia leans toward Business & Marketing, Communications. 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 University of Georgia's $13,936.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $18,500 at University of Georgia.
- Business and consulting-track students: Bucknell University has less business program depth, and University of Georgia offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Bucknell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Georgia's enrollment of 32,137 far exceeds Bucknell University's 3,876.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Bucknell — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Bucknell offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Georgia does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Bucknell, where only about 86% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Georgia is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bucknell's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Georgia leads with Business Administration (29%).
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 Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bucknell University is strongest in Social Sciences, Engineering, while University of Georgia concentrates in Communications, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bucknell University or University of Georgia?
Bucknell University is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 38% at University of Georgia.
Which is more affordable, Bucknell University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $40,766 at Bucknell University.
Do Bucknell University or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,807 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bucknell University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 86%.
Bucknell University vs University of Georgia: which is better for social mobility?
Bucknell University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.5% versus 1.1%.
Should you choose Bucknell University or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia 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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