Bucknell vs. Brown

Comparable Facts

Compare Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA with Brown University in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brown University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (11,956 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Brown University is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; Brown University 6:1.

Bucknell vs. Brown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Brown? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brown University than Bucknell ($26,256 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 3% lower than at Brown University ($16,924 vs. $17,444).
• Brown University is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $3,600 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at Brown than at Bucknell University (about $3,600 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Brown University (59% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brown University students is 37.2% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($61,392 vs. $44,734).

Bucknell vs. Brown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bucknell or Brown? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Brown and Bucknell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brown University (1550) is 160 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Brown students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Bucknell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Brown University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Brown - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Brown Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brown students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Brown (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 65.2% at Brown.

Bucknell vs. Brown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Brown? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brown University's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Bucknell University's (91%).
• Graduates from Brown University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,600 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brown University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($15,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Brown graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($155 vs. $279).
• More Brown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bucknell students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 89%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.