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Bucknell University vs Villanova University

Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA, and Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA. Villanova University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 29% at Bucknell University. Bucknell University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $40,766 a year against $43,756 at Villanova University. About 92% of students graduate at Villanova University, compared with 86% at Bucknell University. Ten years after enrolling, Villanova University alumni earn a median of about $100,423, against $93,807 for Bucknell University.

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Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Villanova, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,876
6,938
Acceptance rate
29%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1395–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
32–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$43,756
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$84,793
In-state tuition
$67,812
$67,776
Out-of-state tuition
$67,812
$67,776
Application fee
$50
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,980
$17,823
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$16,496
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$20,923
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$33,389
Over $110k
$55,724
$58,741
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
92%
Freshman retention
94%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,852
$84,905
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,807
$100,423
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,874
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
12%
First-generation students
12%
13%
International students
4%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 15

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 Villanova University harder to get into?
Villanova University is harder to get into. It admits about 27% of applicants, compared with 29% at Bucknell 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, Bucknell University or Villanova University?
Bucknell University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $40,766 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova 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 Villanova University?
Before aid, Bucknell University costs about $83,756 a year and Villanova University about $84,793. 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,823 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University is the larger of the two, with about 6,938 undergraduates against 3,876 at Bucknell University.
Does Bucknell University or Villanova University have a better graduation rate?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 86% at Bucknell University.
Do graduates of Bucknell University or Villanova University earn more?
Villanova University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $100,423 ten years after enrolling, against about $93,807 for Bucknell University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bucknell University and Villanova University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Villanova University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1395–1510 at Villanova University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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