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How to Get Into Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

Bucknell University Admissions Statistics

29%
Acceptance Rate
650-730
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
660-740
SAT Math (mid 50%)
30-33
ACT (mid 50%)
3,876
Undergrads
86%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into Bucknell University

Understand what 29% really means

At Bucknell University's admit rate, your position against the published ranges genuinely matters. Land above the middle 50% and this behaves like a target; inside it, a true toss-up worth real effort on essays and fit signals; below it, treat it as a reach. Place it on your list accordingly instead of trusting the headline rate.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1310-1470 combined SAT or 30-33 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Test policy here is "Required for some programs", check the fine print for your specific program.

Use the Early Decision round deliberately

Bucknell University offers Early Decision, which is binding. The early bump is real but overstated (hooked applicants cluster early and inflate it). Spend ED once, on the school where it actually moves you a tier, and only if the money works without comparing aid offers. If that school is Bucknell University, the deadline table below is your calendar.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Bucknell University fits.

Bucknell University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Decision (ED) November 1, 2025
Early Decision II (ED II) January 10, 2026
Regular Decision (RD) January 10, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $50
Test scores Required for some programs
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Required
Teacher evaluations 1

Bucknell University Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $83,756
Tuition & fees $67,812
Room & board (on campus) $16,924
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $40,766

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $20,980
$30-48k $12,276
$48-75k $23,679
$75-110k $28,165
$110k+ $55,724
12.4%
Students receiving Pell Grants
35%
Students taking federal loans
94%
Freshman retention rate
9:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use Bucknell University's Official Net Price Calculator →

More Bucknell University Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for Bucknell University:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at Bucknell University, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into Bucknell University, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon Bucknell University's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships Bucknell University students actually win

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