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Bucknell University vs Washington University in St Louis

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

12
Bucknell Wins
8
Tied / N/A
26
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Plains
3,876
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1410
SAT Average
1530
31
ACT Midpoint
34
1310-1470
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$40,766
Average Net Price
$21,786
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
12%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
94%
94%
Retention Rate
95%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
12%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

52%
Female
53%
73%
White
40%
9%
Hispanic
13%
4%
Black
9%
4%
Asian
21%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$27,000
Median Debt
$17,500
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
88%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#38
N/A
Teaching Score
58.9
N/A
Research Score
63
N/A
Citations Score
88.6

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.

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

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