Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
32% Acceptance Rate
Bucknell University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
32%Acceptance Rate
3.62Avg GPA
1389Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$79,956Annual Cost
$93,807Grad Salary
11.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
32%
Avg GPA
3.62
Avg SAT
1389
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1300–1450
ACT Middle 50%
31–33
Need-Based Aid
11.1% receive Pell
Bucknell University, founded in 1846, is a prestigious private liberal arts university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, renowned for blending liberal arts with engineering (ranked #1 for undergrad engineering by U.S. News). With 3,700 students across 50+ majors, Bucknell excels in:
Bucknell University Acceptance Rate
At an acceptance rate of 32%, Bucknell University rewards applicants who show real academic growth rather than a flawless transcript.
What Bucknell University Admissions Looks For
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
- Test Scores Help: Where submitted, scores near or above the middle 50% strengthen an application.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 32% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier — a solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.62 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.42 – 3.61
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.17
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Bucknell University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 15 for Bucknell University (Early Decision I — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 106 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 15
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: April 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Bucknell University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Bucknell University is 3.62. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.32 and 3.62? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.82–4.02.Bucknell University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.62 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.42 – 3.61
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.22 – 3.41
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.21
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Bucknell's acceptance rate runs around 29-30%, with admitted students typically presenting an SAT range of roughly 1310-1470 or ACT of 30-33, and Early Decision applicants seeing a meaningfully higher admit rate than Regular Decision.
- Bucknell is often described as a "Hidden Ivy," reflecting a level of academic rigor and outcomes comparable to more nationally famous institutions, with 93% of recent graduates reporting successful outcomes within nine months of graduation.
- Engineering applicants face somewhat more demanding math and science coursework requirements than other majors, so prospective engineering students should ensure their transcript reflects at least the recommended three years of science including both chemistry and physics.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Bucknell University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Bucknell University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Bucknell University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Bucknell University — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Bucknell University Without SAT or ACT?
Bucknell University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Bucknell University Average SAT Score: 1389
Admitted students at Bucknell University average a 1389 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1389 — Competitive
A 1389 average is a respectable, above-average benchmark nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1450 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Bucknell University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1300? A retake is worth it at Bucknell University — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 700 | 660 | 740 |
| SAT Reading | 675 | 640 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1389 | 1300 | 1450 |
A score under 1300 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1450+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Bucknell University with a 1450 SAT?
At 1450, your SAT is squarely in Bucknell University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Bucknell University ACT Requirements
Bucknell University's admitted students average an ACT of 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
Bucknell University's ACT average sits comfortably in the upper range nationally.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 27 | 31 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 31 | 33 |
Can I get into Bucknell University with a 33 ACT?
At 33, you're in the top quarter of Bucknell University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Bucknell University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Bucknell University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Bucknell University rewards consistency. Being a top-quartile applicant here doesn't just help admission odds — it's usually what unlocks the strongest scholarship offers too.
Apply Directly to Your Intended College - Engineering and Management Transfers Are Restricted
Bucknell's College of Engineering and Freeman College of Management both limit transfers in from the College of Arts & Sciences; Freeman enrollment is restricted to students admitted directly into Freeman at initial application, and Arts & Sciences-to-Engineering transfers are described as quite limited. If you have any interest in business or engineering, apply to that college directly rather than starting in Arts & Sciences and hoping to switch later.
Use Your Single 250-Word Essay for Both "Why Major" and "Why Bucknell" - It's Not Binding
Bucknell's one required supplemental essay explicitly allows you to list a first-choice major, a second-choice major, or undecided status, and your choice doesn't lock you in after enrollment. Ground the "why this major" portion in one concrete experience or question you keep returning to, then connect it specifically to a named Bucknell resource, professor, or opportunity rather than general praise for the university.
If Submitting Test Scores, Know They'll Eventually Be Required Regardless
Bucknell's test-optional pilot means scores submitted with your application aren't used in the admissions decision if you choose to withhold them - but all enrolling students must submit an SAT or ACT score before starting their first year, used for internal program assessment. If you have a strong score, submitting it now can only help; if your score is weaker, withholding it during the application process carries no real downside since it'll be required either way upon enrollling.
Highlight Interdisciplinary Combinations If Relevant to Your Interests
Bucknell actively encourages combining majors across its three colleges - students have built majors like Animal Behavior by drawing on Biology, Psychology, and Neuroscience simultaneously. If your interests genuinely span disciplines, naming a specific interdisciplinary combination in your essay signals engagement with one of Bucknell's real academic strengths rather than a generic single-major narrative.
Expert Insight: Do not write your Bucknell essay as a pure "why I love this subject" reflection without addressing the second half of the prompt - the essay explicitly requires explaining why you'd pursue that interest at Bucknell specifically, and a response that skips the "why Bucknell" component leaves half the prompt unanswered, which readers will notice given the tight 250-word format.
Bucknell University Profile
Full Name
Bucknell University
City
Lewisburg
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
17837
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Bucknell University Degree Worth It?
Whether Bucknell University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $84,000, and graduates see a 2.72% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Bucknell University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $79,956/year at Bucknell University; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land typically much lower.
At Bucknell University, 11.1% receive a Pell Grant and 34.1% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Bucknell University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Bucknell University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Bucknell University graduates report a median income of $93,807, about 131% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Bucknell University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 1340 | 31 |
| Clark University | Worcester, MA | 1339 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Bucknell University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Bucknell University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 1443 | 32 |
Degree Programs at Bucknell University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bucknell University Admissions
Graduates of Bucknell University earn a high median salary — $93,807/year, varying by field.
Tuition at Bucknell University runs high — roughly $79,956+/year — so financial aid planning matters.
11.1% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average — Bucknell University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Bucknell University's acceptance rate is 32%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Bucknell University students is 3.62, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.32 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Bucknell University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.22 or below makes admission tougher at Bucknell University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
Bucknell University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1389, and within the 1300–1450 range, keeps you competitive.
Bucknell University's deadline is November 15 (Early Decision I), with decisions out by December 15.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before November 15, 2026 — that's Bucknell University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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