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Bucknell University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver

Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver is a public university in Monaca, PA. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver about 96%, making Bucknell University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,418 a year at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver after aid, and about $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 21% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver.

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Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver

Monaca, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Monaca, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,876
482
Acceptance rate
29%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1080–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
24–27
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$17,418
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$26,210
In-state tuition
$67,812
$14,408
Out-of-state tuition
$67,812
$24,134
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,980
$9,228
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$8,366
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$15,831
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$17,143
Over $110k
$55,724
$22,285
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
21%
Freshman retention
94%
76%
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%
32%
First-generation students
12%
29%
International students
4%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver harder to get into?
Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 96% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver. 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 Beaver?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,418 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 Beaver?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver costs about $26,210 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 Beaver?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,228 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 Beaver?
Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 482 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver.
Does Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver have a better graduation rate?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 21% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver.
Do graduates of Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver 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 Beaver. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bucknell University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver require SAT or ACT scores?
Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1080–1290 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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