Bucknell University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA, and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public university in Altoona, PA. Bucknell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,213 a year against $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Altoona, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,876
2,367
Acceptance rate
29%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$22,213
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$32,559
In-state tuition
$67,812
$15,972
Out-of-state tuition
$67,812
$26,958
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,980
$16,017
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$16,546
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$19,464
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$23,562
Over $110k
$55,724
$28,263
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
17%
Freshman retention
94%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,852
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,807
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
29%
First-generation students
12%
29%
International students
4%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling
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.
- Is Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona harder to get into?
- Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,213 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona costs about $32,559 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,017 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
- Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 2,367 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
- Does Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona have a better graduation rate?
- Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
- Do graduates of Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona earn more?
- Bucknell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,807 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bucknell University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1070–1290 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Bucknell University vs Swarthmore CollegeBucknell University vs Haverford CollegeBucknell University vs Franklin and Marshall CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Swarthmore CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Haverford CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Franklin and Marshall College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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