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Bucknell University vs Williams College

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

13
Bucknell Wins
5
Tied / N/A
24
Williams Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
3,876
Enrollment
2,076
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1410
SAT Average
1533
31
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1310-1470
SAT Range
1490-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$68,560
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,560
$40,766
Average Net Price
$17,716
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,610
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-1,727
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$-1,978
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,594
12%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
95%
94%
Retention Rate
97%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,317
12%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

52%
Female
51%
73%
White
47%
9%
Hispanic
14%
4%
Black
6%
4%
Asian
12%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$71,754
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$79,082
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$88,665
$27,000
Median Debt
$12,761
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
88%
Earning Above HS
68%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
98.66%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3087.0%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
319.6%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$184,000

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.85
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

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.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $88,665 earnings $17,716 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.

Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.

When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.

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