Rider University vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (4,003 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Rider University vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University 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 Rider University than Bucknell ($26,506 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 1.8% lower than at Rider University ($16,924 vs. $17,230).
• Bucknell University is 64.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $26,692 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.9% higher at Bucknell than at Rider University (about $26,692 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 52.7% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($44,734 vs. $29,294).

Rider University vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rider University 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 Rider University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 180 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Rider University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bucknell students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Rider University vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University 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 Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $23,300 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 73%)

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.