Can you get into Bucknell University?

Lewisburg, PA · Private · 3,876 students Here is the class that got in, and where your numbers land inside it.

Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.

The admitted class · 2024

What it took to get in

Acceptance rate

28.9%

SAT middle 50%

1310–1470

median 1373

ACT middle 50%

30–33

median 31

Testing

optional

35% submitted an SAT

Graduation rate

86%

within six years

Reported by the college

What Bucknell University actually reads

Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It is the most useful thing they say about admissions and almost nobody reads it, because knowing that an essay is very important here and class rank is not considered changes where the work should go.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Grades
    • Course rigor
    • Essay
    • Recommendations
  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • Class rank
    • Test scores
    • Legacy
    • Work experience

From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Bucknell University considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it does not ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set we use that instead.

Real cost · 2024 data

What families actually pay

The sticker price is $83,756, but almost nobody pays it. Average net price at Bucknell University by family income, after grants and scholarships:

  • Under $30k$20,980
  • $30k–$48k$12,276
  • $48k–$75k$23,679
  • $75k–$110k$28,165
  • Over $110k$55,724

U.S. Department of Education data: average net price per year for aided first-time students. Your number depends on your family’s finances.

Common questions

Bucknell University admissions, answered

What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?

Bucknell University admits 28.9% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).

What SAT score do you need for Bucknell University?

The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1470. A score above 1470 clears the 75th percentile; below 1310, the rest of the application has to carry more weight.

Is Bucknell University test-optional?

Yes, Bucknell University is currently test-optional. Submit a score if it falls inside or above the admitted middle 50%.

What does Bucknell University look for in an application?

Bucknell University reports that it weighs grades, course rigor, essay, recommendations most heavily. Anything it lists as not considered is worth knowing too, because effort spent there does not count here.

How much does Bucknell University actually cost?

Sticker price is $83,756, but the average family pays $40,766 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $20,980 per year on average.

What Spike does with this

Use the Bucknell University read in your plan.

Spike helps connect your numbers with courses, testing, essays, activities, and the rest of your college list.