Tufts vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

Compare Tufts University in Medford, MA with Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than Bucknell based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 3,969 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tufts University is located in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tufts University 10:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Tufts vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts 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 Tufts University than Bucknell ($32,367 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 9% lower than at Tufts University ($16,924 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bucknell (about $2,892 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Tufts than at Bucknell University (about $2,892 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $67,812.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at Tufts University (59% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 25% larger than aid received by Bucknell University students ($55,933 vs. $44,734).

Tufts vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tufts 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 Tufts.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 130 points higher than at Bucknell (1390).
• Incoming Tufts 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: Tufts University 1470/1560; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Tufts vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts 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 Tufts University's (90%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($18,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bucknell students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.