Denison vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Denison University in Granville, OH with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bucknell University is larger than Denison based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 2,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Denison vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison or Bucknell? 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 Bucknell University than Denison ($39,003 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Denison University are 3.1% lower than at Bucknell University ($16,400 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Denison (about $812 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Bucknell than at Denison University (about $812 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $67,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Denison University than at Bucknell University (94% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 17.2% larger than aid received by Denison University students ($44,734 vs. $38,179).

Denison vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 20 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Denison students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Bucknell (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Denison students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Denison vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison and Bucknell? 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 Denison University's (79%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $20,200 more per year than Denison graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Denison students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 83%)

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.