Bucknell University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is a public university in Reading, PA. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks about 99%, making Bucknell University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,356 a year at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks after aid, and about $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 28% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Reading, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,876
1,872
Acceptance rate
29%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1090–1275
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
18–27
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$24,356
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$32,242
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
$16,429
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$15,862
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$23,583
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$25,465
Over $110k
$55,724
$29,541
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
28%
Freshman retention
94%
77%
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%
4%
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 Berks harder to get into?
- Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 99% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. 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 Berks?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,356 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 Berks?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks costs about $32,242 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 Berks?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,429 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 Berks?
- Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 1,872 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks.
- Does Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks have a better graduation rate?
- Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 28% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks.
- Do graduates of Bucknell University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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 Berks. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bucknell University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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 Berks look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1090–1275 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. 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 Berks vs Swarthmore CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks vs Haverford CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks vs Franklin and Marshall College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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