University of Rochester vs Bucknell University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Rochester and Bucknell University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Rochester vs Bucknell University at a glance
University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Bucknell University 28.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,347 at University of Rochester and $50,021 at Bucknell University. Six-year graduation rates are 83.4% and 84.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Bucknell University 28.9%, so Bucknell University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,347 a year at University of Rochester and $50,021 at Bucknell University; University of Rochester costs $15,674 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,091 at University of Rochester and $17,578 at Bucknell University.
- 83.4% of students graduate within six years at University of Rochester, against 84.8% at Bucknell University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $88,358 for University of Rochester and $109,954 for Bucknell University; Bucknell University is $21,596 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at University of Rochester and $26,486 at Bucknell University.
- University of Rochester enrolls 6,331 students (midsize city) and Bucknell University 3,876 (distant town).
Side by side
University of Rochester 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 | University of Rochester | Bucknell University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 28.9% |
| Applicants | 19,543 | 11,263 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1410–1540 | 1310–1470 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,347 | $50,021 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,306 | $70,576 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,306 | $70,576 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,562 | $87,696 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,091 | $17,578 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,962 | $24,370 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $20,337 | $27,496 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,472 | $34,392 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,184 | $67,428 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.4% | 84.8% |
| First-year retention | 90.7% | 93.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $88,358 | $109,954 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $26,486 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $301 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,331 | 3,876 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Town: Distant |
| Location | Rochester, NY | 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
University of Rochester reports 59 bachelor's programs and Bucknell University 53; 35 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Rochester vs Bucknell University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Rochester or Bucknell University?
Bucknell University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Rochester admits 40.1% of applicants and Bucknell University admits 28.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Rochester 1410–1540; Bucknell University 1310–1470.
Which is cheaper, University of Rochester or Bucknell University?
University of Rochester has the lower average net price after grants: $34,347 a year at University of Rochester against $50,021 at Bucknell University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,091 and $17,578. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Rochester or Bucknell University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn more at the median: $88,358 ten years after entry for University of Rochester and $109,954 for Bucknell University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $26,486.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Rochester or Bucknell University?
Bucknell University does: 83.4% of University of Rochester students graduate within six years, against 84.8% at Bucknell University.
How big are University of Rochester and Bucknell University?
University of Rochester has 6,331 students in Rochester, NY and Bucknell University has 3,876 students in Lewisburg, PA.