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Alvernia University vs Bucknell University

Alvernia University is a private university in Reading, PA, and Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA. Bucknell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 58% at Alvernia University. Alvernia University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,138 a year against $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 57% at Alvernia University. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $55,055 for Alvernia University.

Alvernia University

Reading, PA · Private

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Reading, PA
Lewisburg, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,152
3,876
Acceptance rate
58%
29%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.46–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1093–1286
1310–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
30–33
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,138
$40,766
Full cost / yr
$57,565
$83,756
In-state tuition
$45,000
$67,812
Out-of-state tuition
$45,000
$67,812
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,436
$20,980
$30k - $48k
$23,701
$12,276
$48k - $75k
$24,131
$23,679
$75k - $110k
$28,016
$28,165
Over $110k
$32,152
$55,724
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
86%
Freshman retention
72%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,938
$78,852
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,055
$93,807
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
12%
First-generation students
45%
12%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 10

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Alvernia University or Bucknell University harder to get into?
Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 58% at Alvernia University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Alvernia University or Bucknell University?
Alvernia University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,138 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,766 at Bucknell University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Alvernia University and Bucknell University?
Before aid, Alvernia University costs about $57,565 a year and Bucknell University about $83,756. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Alvernia University or Bucknell University?
Bucknell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,980 there, against about $23,436 at Alvernia University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Alvernia University or Bucknell University?
Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 2,152 at Alvernia University.
Does Alvernia University or Bucknell University have a better graduation rate?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 57% at Alvernia University.
Do graduates of Alvernia University or Bucknell University earn more?
Bucknell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,807 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,055 for Alvernia University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Alvernia University and Bucknell University require SAT or ACT scores?
Alvernia University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Alvernia University and Bucknell University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1093–1286 at Alvernia University and 1310–1470 at Bucknell University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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