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Bucknell University vs Wilkes University

Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, PA, and Wilkes University is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bucknell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 91% at Wilkes University. Wilkes University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,743 a year against $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 86% of students graduate at Bucknell University, compared with 62% at Wilkes University. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $63,454 for Wilkes University.

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lewisburg, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,876
1,985
Acceptance rate
29%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1470
1020–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
22–29
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,766
$27,743
Full cost / yr
$83,756
$56,765
In-state tuition
$67,812
$43,496
Out-of-state tuition
$67,812
$43,496
Application fee
$50
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,980
$25,062
$30k - $48k
$12,276
$23,440
$48k - $75k
$23,679
$26,432
$75k - $110k
$28,165
$27,843
Over $110k
$55,724
$31,638
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
62%
Freshman retention
94%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,852
$54,128
Median earnings (10 yr)
$93,807
$63,454
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
34%
First-generation students
12%
35%
International students
4%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 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 Wilkes University harder to get into?
Bucknell University is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 91% at Wilkes 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 Wilkes University?
Wilkes University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,743 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 Wilkes University?
Before aid, Wilkes University costs about $56,765 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 Wilkes University?
Bucknell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,980 there, against about $25,062 at Wilkes University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bucknell University or Wilkes University?
Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 1,985 at Wilkes University.
Does Bucknell University or Wilkes University have a better graduation rate?
Bucknell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 62% at Wilkes University.
Do graduates of Bucknell University or Wilkes University earn more?
Bucknell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,807 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,454 for Wilkes University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bucknell University and Wilkes University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Wilkes University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Wilkes University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1020–1250 at Wilkes University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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