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Bucknell University vs Muhlenberg College

Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA, and Muhlenberg College is a private college in Allentown, PA. Bucknell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 72% at Muhlenberg College. Muhlenberg College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,905 a year against $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 81% at Muhlenberg College. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $69,107 for Muhlenberg College.

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

Muhlenberg College

Allentown, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Allentown, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,876
1,727
Acceptance rate
29%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1250–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
29–33
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$28,905
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$77,270
In-state tuition
$67,812
$62,805
Out-of-state tuition
$67,812
$62,805
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,980
$12,302
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$16,629
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$19,717
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$25,452
Over $110k
$55,724
$37,603
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
81%
Freshman retention
94%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,852
$53,265
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,807
$69,107
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,455
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
21%
First-generation students
12%
16%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 16
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Feb 1

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 Bucknell University or Muhlenberg College harder to get into?
Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 72% at Muhlenberg College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bucknell University or Muhlenberg College?
Muhlenberg College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,905 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 Bucknell University and Muhlenberg College?
Before aid, Muhlenberg College costs about $77,270 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, Bucknell University or Muhlenberg College?
Muhlenberg College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,302 there, against about $20,980 at Bucknell University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bucknell University or Muhlenberg College?
Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 1,727 at Muhlenberg College.
Does Bucknell University or Muhlenberg College have a better graduation rate?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 81% at Muhlenberg College.
Do graduates of Bucknell University or Muhlenberg College earn more?
Bucknell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,807 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,107 for Muhlenberg College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bucknell University and Muhlenberg College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Muhlenberg College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Muhlenberg College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1250–1410 at Muhlenberg College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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