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Bucknell University vs Widener University

Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA. Widener University is a private university in Chester, PA. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants and Widener University about 71%, making Bucknell University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,759 a year at Widener University after aid, and about $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 66% at Widener University. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $70,920 for Widener University.

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

Widener University

Chester, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Chester, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,876
2,951
Acceptance rate
29%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1080–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
22–29
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$25,759
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$70,621
In-state tuition
$67,812
$55,730
Out-of-state tuition
$67,812
$55,730
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,980
$21,200
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$22,275
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$22,514
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$25,900
Over $110k
$55,724
$32,296
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
66%
Freshman retention
94%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,852
$63,375
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,807
$70,920
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
33%
First-generation students
12%
30%
International students
4%
2%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bucknell University or Widener University harder to get into?
Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 71% at Widener 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 Widener University?
Widener University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,759 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 Widener University?
Before aid, Widener University costs about $70,621 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 Widener University?
Bucknell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,980 there, against about $21,200 at Widener University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bucknell University or Widener University?
Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 2,951 at Widener University.
Does Bucknell University or Widener University have a better graduation rate?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 66% at Widener University.
Do graduates of Bucknell University or Widener University earn more?
Bucknell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,807 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,920 for Widener University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bucknell University and Widener University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Widener University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Widener University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1080–1290 at Widener University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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