Carnegie Mellon University vs Bucknell University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Carnegie Mellon University and Bucknell University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Bucknell University at a glance
Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Bucknell University 28.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $35,780 at Carnegie Mellon University and $50,021 at Bucknell University. Six-year graduation rates are 94.3% and 84.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Bucknell University 28.9%, so Carnegie Mellon University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $35,780 a year at Carnegie Mellon University and $50,021 at Bucknell University; Carnegie Mellon University costs $14,241 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,468 at Carnegie Mellon University and $17,578 at Bucknell University.
- 94.3% of students graduate within six years at Carnegie Mellon University, against 84.8% at Bucknell University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $125,257 for Carnegie Mellon University and $109,954 for Bucknell University; Carnegie Mellon University is $15,303 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at Carnegie Mellon University and $26,486 at Bucknell University.
- Carnegie Mellon University enrolls 7,304 students (large city) and Bucknell University 3,876 (distant town).
Side by side
Carnegie Mellon University and Bucknell University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Carnegie Mellon University | Bucknell University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 28.9% |
| Applicants | 32,896 | 11,263 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1500–1570 | 1310–1470 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $35,780 | $50,021 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,776 | $70,576 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,776 | $70,576 |
| Cost of attendance | $86,759 | $87,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,468 | $17,578 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,293 | $24,370 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,816 | $27,496 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,455 | $34,392 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,003 | $67,428 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 94.3% | 84.8% |
| First-year retention | 98% | 93.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $125,257 | $109,954 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $26,486 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $301 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,304 | 3,876 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | Town: Distant |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | Lewisburg, PA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Carnegie Mellon University reports 114 bachelor's programs and Bucknell University 53; 44 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Carnegie Mellon University vs Bucknell University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Bucknell University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Bucknell University admits 28.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Carnegie Mellon University 1500–1570; Bucknell University 1310–1470.
Which is cheaper, Carnegie Mellon University or Bucknell University?
Carnegie Mellon University has the lower average net price after grants: $35,780 a year at Carnegie Mellon University against $50,021 at Bucknell University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,468 and $17,578. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Bucknell University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at the median: $125,257 ten years after entry for Carnegie Mellon University and $109,954 for Bucknell University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $26,486.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Bucknell University?
Carnegie Mellon University does: 94.3% of Carnegie Mellon University students graduate within six years, against 84.8% at Bucknell University.
How big are Carnegie Mellon University and Bucknell University?
Carnegie Mellon University has 7,304 students in Pittsburgh, PA and Bucknell University has 3,876 students in Lewisburg, PA.