Bucknell vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA with Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bucknell University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Bucknell vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College than Bucknell ($38,483 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 1% lower than at Dickinson College ($16,924 vs. $17,100).
• Bucknell University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $2,162 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Bucknell than at Dickinson College (about $2,162 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Bucknell University (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 0.6% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($44,734 vs. $44,479).

Bucknell vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bucknell or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College and Bucknell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is the same as at Dickinson College (1390).
• Incoming Bucknell students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Dickinson College (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Dickinson College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Bucknell vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell and Dickinson College? 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).

• Bucknell University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($21,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($217 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dickinson College 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.