Kenyon College vs Bucknell University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Kenyon College and Bucknell University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Kenyon College vs Bucknell University at a glance
Kenyon College admits 31% of applicants and Bucknell University 28.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $33,279 at Kenyon College and $50,021 at Bucknell University. Six-year graduation rates are 85.6% and 84.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Kenyon College admits 31% of applicants and Bucknell University 28.9%, so Bucknell University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $33,279 a year at Kenyon College and $50,021 at Bucknell University; Kenyon College costs $16,742 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,548 at Kenyon College and $17,578 at Bucknell University.
- 85.6% of students graduate within six years at Kenyon College, against 84.8% at Bucknell University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $65,780 for Kenyon College and $109,954 for Bucknell University; Bucknell University is $44,174 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,000 at Kenyon College and $26,486 at Bucknell University.
- Kenyon College enrolls 1,732 students (distant town) and Bucknell University 3,876 (distant town).
Side by side
Kenyon College 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 | Kenyon College | Bucknell University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 31% | 28.9% |
| Applicants | 7,601 | 11,263 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1358–1503 | 1310–1470 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–33 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $33,279 | $50,021 |
| Tuition, in state | $72,220 | $70,576 |
| Tuition, out of state | $72,220 | $70,576 |
| Cost of attendance | $91,010 | $87,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,548 | $17,578 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $9,136 | $24,370 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $15,184 | $27,496 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $31,525 | $34,392 |
| Over $110,000 | $48,147 | $67,428 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.6% | 84.8% |
| First-year retention | 91.6% | 93.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $65,780 | $109,954 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,000 | $26,486 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $239 | $301 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 1,732 | 3,876 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Town: Distant | Town: Distant |
| Location | Gambier, OH | 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
Kenyon College reports 31 bachelor's programs and Bucknell University 53; 27 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Kenyon College vs Bucknell University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Kenyon College or Bucknell University?
Bucknell University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Kenyon College admits 31% of applicants and Bucknell University admits 28.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Kenyon College 1358–1503; Bucknell University 1310–1470.
Which is cheaper, Kenyon College or Bucknell University?
Kenyon College has the lower average net price after grants: $33,279 a year at Kenyon College against $50,021 at Bucknell University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,548 and $17,578. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Kenyon College or Bucknell University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more at the median: $65,780 ten years after entry for Kenyon College and $109,954 for Bucknell University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,000 and $26,486.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Kenyon College or Bucknell University?
Kenyon College does: 85.6% of Kenyon College students graduate within six years, against 84.8% at Bucknell University.
How big are Kenyon College and Bucknell University?
Kenyon College has 1,732 students in Gambier, OH and Bucknell University has 3,876 students in Lewisburg, PA.