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Bucknell University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

10
Bucknell Wins
8
Tied / N/A
28
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Town
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
3,876
Enrollment
20,752
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
15%
1410
SAT Average
1439
31
ACT Midpoint
25
1310-1470
SAT Range
1390-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$8,994
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,203
$40,766
Average Net Price
$11,655
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,004
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$3,918
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,538
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$24,396
12%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
13%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
92%
94%
Retention Rate
97%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
78%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,046
12%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

52%
Female
62%
73%
White
53%
9%
Hispanic
10%
4%
Black
7%
4%
Asian
16%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$57,057
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$65,584
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$72,200
$27,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
88%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
115.19%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3330.1%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
345.9%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$129,500

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.68
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#30
N/A
Teaching Score
70.9
N/A
Research Score
75.1
N/A
Citations Score
85

The Overviews

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit

29% accept 86% grad $93,807 earnings $40,766 net

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

15% accept 92% grad $72,200 earnings $11,655 net

With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.

When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.

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