What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Do not pick the college that you believe has the best reputation. When you're on the right campus, you'll know it's the right school for you, so go there. And when you're there, work hard during the week, but have fun on the weekends. Be resposinble about it, but have fun, or you'll get way too stressed and not enjoy youre college experience. Also, go with a major you're interested in, not one that you think will eventually make you the most money. You may not do well and you certainly will not enjoy yourself if you don't like what you're doing. All this being said, have fun with college. It's a once in a lifetime experience... usually.

Describe the students at your school.

Some of the most engaged and competitive people I have ever been around.

What is the stereotype of students at your school?

Dont know what other people think about us because we live in a bucknell bubble. Last time i read the news was 3 years ago... I dont know if we are still at war or not.

Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

Somewhat - there are students that fit that mold, but Bucknell is a lot more diverse now.

What are the academics like at your school?

Once again, in general, I am extremely pleased with the academic personality of the university. Bucknell does a good job helping students with a wide variety of interests, at least as long as those students are in the college of arts of science. As long as you are active in class discussion, professors will know you by name, which is so comforting at times. There are better professors than others, but that is simply life at work. Outside of class, the competitiveness of students changes from student to student, clique to clique. There are many students that begin worrying about GRE's sophomore year, but I have felt no pressure like that personally. Some of my best learning experiences have come from just talking in a friend's dorm room, exploring the world's vast array of problems. As for career help, I am planning to attend seminary, which needless to say is an area that I explore through my pastor and other Christian leaders.

What is your overall opinion of this school?

One thing that Bucknell emphasizes, and fits me quite well, is balance in many different regions of life. It is fairly rare that a student's activities are concentrated in only one region, which I personally believe is a strength. One personal complaint could just as easily be a praise from another student: the "Bucknell Bubble" phenomenon. I love the quaint, Central Pennsylvania atmosphere of Lewisburg, the neighboring town, but admittedly there is very little to do past 6th Street and St. Catherine's after about nine in the evening. Due to this, there is something of a love-hate relationship between the town and the university. Borough residents will cheer on Bucknell in every possible sporting event as much as the Sojka Psychos in a basketball game, but they hold many of the stereotypes about which I wrote earlier. The Bucknell community has a tendency to look down its collective nose at the "townies", so perhaps we deserve the labels the outside world gives us.

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Drinking and dancing in a three-inch pool of beer in a shady basement gets old really quick. Most students are on the path to being alcoholics -- binge drinking seems like the only social activity that the majority of Bucknellians enjoy; there isn't anything to do within a 100 mile radius.

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

It's stunning and work is well balanced with play

Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

Bucknell is student oriented and is a beautiful, small university.

What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

While students are generally accepting, gay students are a definitely minority on our campus. Hence, my life can sometimes be a bit more difficult than that of other students.

What kind of person should attend this school?

one who is willing to work hard furing the week, but likes to party on weekends

What kind of person should not attend this school?

The type of person who expects success without working for it should not attend this school.

Describe your favorite campus traditions.

Although it's located in a rather rural setting in central Pennsylvania, Bucknell contains a brilliant and driven student body, flocking from all parts of the world.. The University offers numerous activities and events for students, but a surprising amount are student run or created. It's the students that make the university rather then the university that makes the students.

What's unique about your campus?

The combination of superior academics with a lively social scene is fantastic.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

The new student orientation program or house party weekend.

What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The Engineering program is extremely more difficult than it needs to be.

Why did you decide to go to this school?

Three Bucknell Students are asked what their experience was with finding the perfect school.

What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

That is is beyond freezing most of the year and the weather seems to be bipolar.

Tell us about the food and dining options.

Oops. I held the camera the wrong way. But this is our cafeteria.

What are your classes like?

I am a religion major and I absolutely love my classes. Although the religion department is small, many students find it is not always easy to get a seat in a religion class because they are so popular. Most of my classes are a combination of lectures and class discussion, which makes for a nice medium between learning directly from the teacher and using that knowledge in lively debate with my peers. Many of my religions classes are provocative, and teachers welcome students to share their opinions, even if it is controversial.

Bucknell University

About Bucknell University

Founded in 1846, Bucknell University. is a Private college. Located in Pennsylvania, which is a city setting in Pennsylvania, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 3,571 full time undergraduate students, and 55 full time graduate students.

The Bucknell University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 9:1. There are 410 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Bucknell University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate	29%
Application Deadline	15-Nov
Application Fee	40
SAT Range	1200-1380
ACT Range	28-32

Admissions at are considered More Selective, with ,22% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

99% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 89% were in the top quarter, and 66% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Bucknell University.

18%

“We”re apathetic”

38%

“We know about current events and vote”

40%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

24%

“Sometimes, but not often”

59%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

10%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

“I only go out in groups”

28%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

68%

“I feel extremely safe”

27%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

63%

“We bought the gear”

10%

“We live for the big game”

13%

“It”s not really our thing”

50%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

33%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

40%

“They keep regular office hours”

55%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

43%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

55%

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

“We”re not into drinking at all”

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

28%

“We only party on weekends”

73%

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

13%

“Never, we”re here to learn”

48%

“There might be people who do”

33%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

18%

“We”re apathetic”

38%

“We know about current events and vote”

40%

“We participate and encourage others to get involved”

“There”s nothing we won”t protest”

“We save it for the classroom”

24%

“Sometimes, but not often”

59%

“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”

10%

“All the time, including weekends”

“I”m always terrified”

“I only go out in groups”

28%

“I usually let someone know where I”m going”

68%

“I feel extremely safe”

27%

“We don”t play sports”

“We play recreationally”

63%

“We bought the gear”

10%

“We live for the big game”

13%

“It”s not really our thing”

50%

“Occasinally we gallery crawl”

33%

“There are a variety of opportunities”

“We”re a very artistic group”

“Haven”t met them”

“Available in class”

40%

“They keep regular office hours”

55%

“They”re always available”

“No greek life, but other groups to join”

“There is some involvement, but not a lot”

43%

“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”

55%

“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”

“We”re not into drinking at all”

“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”

28%

“We only party on weekends”

73%

“There”s some drinking happening every night”

13%

“Never, we”re here to learn”

48%

“There might be people who do”

33%

“People are known to partake on weekends”

“There”s a huge drug scene”

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

How would you rate on-campus housing?

53 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?

40 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?

53 Students rated campus food 3.8 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?

53 Students rated campus facilities 4.5 stars. 57 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?

53 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 60 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?

53 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?

53 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?

53 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

Bucknell University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Bucknell University?

12 Students rated Bucknell University

Matilda - 11/30/2020

Bucknell University is a safe and academically rigorous college on a beautiful campus. My professors have all been beyond incredible and the campus facilities are great. My only reason for giving it a 4 out of 5 instead of a 5 is that I wish there had been a more diverse variety of social groups outside of greek life!

Carina - 04/09/2019

Bucknell University offers an incredible academic environment for students to thrive by offering a wide range of resources and encouraging extracurricular involvement; however, the school constantly silences and ignores the needs of marginalized students (i.e. students of color, low-income students). While I appreciated the various programs that aimed to create community building for these students, the overall culture of the school harms underprivileged students. The meal plans are too expensive, the party culture is incredibly unhealthy, and students who are harmed by bigotry and discrimination are the only individuals pushing for progressive changes. The school is stuck in its ways and does not prioritize the health and safety of its students, instead it only preserves aspects of its University for the funding of problematic alumni. As a former student, I can only say that I miss the rigor of the education and the friends I made in our collective struggles to survive at a school that was starving us, working us to the bone, and ignoring our demands for more faculty of color (especially in mental health services), a food pantry, and more.

William - 03/31/2019

While being a prestigious and asthetically appealing campus, the student body and social life of the university is supperficially focused on academcis. Many students are from privileged, wealthy families that have little value on work ethic or effort-driven achievement.

Alanna - 02/21/2019

Amazing school with professors who truly care. The campus is stunning, and constantly being improved. Students tend to be very social and friendly, and greek life is big. Sports are big too, but not as big as greek life. The food is amazing. The surrounding area is small- be careful if you are looking for a city vibe, this isn't it.

Bucknell University FAQS

What is the Acceptance Rate at Bucknell University?

The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Bucknell University is 29%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Do not pick the college that you believe has the best reputation. When you're on the right campus, you'll know it's the right school for you, so go there. And when you're there, work hard during the week, but have fun on the weekends. Be resposinble about it, but have fun, or you'll get way too stressed and not enjoy youre college experience. Also, go with a major you're interested in, not one that you think will eventually make you the most money. You may not do well and you certainly will not enjoy yourself if you don't like what you're doing. All this being said, have fun with college. It's a once in a lifetime experience... usually.
Read all 53 answers
Describe the students at your school.

Some of the most engaged and competitive people I have ever been around.
Read all 31 answers
What is the stereotype of students at your school?

Dont know what other people think about us because we live in a bucknell bubble. Last time i read the news was 3 years ago... I dont know if we are still at war or not.
Read all 27 answers
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

Somewhat - there are students that fit that mold, but Bucknell is a lot more diverse now.
Read all 27 answers
What are the academics like at your school?

Once again, in general, I am extremely pleased with the academic personality of the university. Bucknell does a good job helping students with a wide variety of interests, at least as long as those students are in the college of arts of science. As long as you are active in class discussion, professors will know you by name, which is so comforting at times. There are better professors than others, but that is simply life at work. Outside of class, the competitiveness of students changes from student to student, clique to clique. There are many students that begin worrying about GRE's sophomore year, but I have felt no pressure like that personally. Some of my best learning experiences have come from just talking in a friend's dorm room, exploring the world's vast array of problems. As for career help, I am planning to attend seminary, which needless to say is an area that I explore through my pastor and other Christian leaders.
Read all 27 answers
What is your overall opinion of this school?

One thing that Bucknell emphasizes, and fits me quite well, is balance in many different regions of life. It is fairly rare that a student's activities are concentrated in only one region, which I personally believe is a strength. One personal complaint could just as easily be a praise from another student: the "Bucknell Bubble" phenomenon. I love the quaint, Central Pennsylvania atmosphere of Lewisburg, the neighboring town, but admittedly there is very little to do past 6th Street and St. Catherine's after about nine in the evening. Due to this, there is something of a love-hate relationship between the town and the university. Borough residents will cheer on Bucknell in every possible sporting event as much as the Sojka Psychos in a basketball game, but they hold many of the stereotypes about which I wrote earlier. The Bucknell community has a tendency to look down its collective nose at the "townies", so perhaps we deserve the labels the outside world gives us.
Read all 26 answers
What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Drinking and dancing in a three-inch pool of beer in a shady basement gets old really quick. Most students are on the path to being alcoholics -- binge drinking seems like the only social activity that the majority of Bucknellians enjoy; there isn't anything to do within a 100 mile radius.
Read all 25 answers
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

It's stunning and work is well balanced with play
Read all 20 answers
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

Bucknell is student oriented and is a beautiful, small university.
Read all 16 answers
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

While students are generally accepting, gay students are a definitely minority on our campus. Hence, my life can sometimes be a bit more difficult than that of other students.
Read all 14 answers
What kind of person should attend this school?

one who is willing to work hard furing the week, but likes to party on weekends
Read all 14 answers
What kind of person should not attend this school?

The type of person who expects success without working for it should not attend this school.
Read all 12 answers
Describe your favorite campus traditions.

Although it's located in a rather rural setting in central Pennsylvania, Bucknell contains a brilliant and driven student body, flocking from all parts of the world.. The University offers numerous activities and events for students, but a surprising amount are student run or created. It's the students that make the university rather then the university that makes the students.
Read all 11 answers
What's unique about your campus?

The combination of superior academics with a lively social scene is fantastic.
Read all 8 answers
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

The new student orientation program or house party weekend.
Read all 7 answers
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

The Engineering program is extremely more difficult than it needs to be.
Read all 4 answers
Why did you decide to go to this school?

Three Bucknell Students are asked what their experience was with finding the perfect school.
Read all 3 answers
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

That is is beyond freezing most of the year and the weather seems to be bipolar.
Read all 3 answers
Tell us about the food and dining options.

Oops. I held the camera the wrong way. But this is our cafeteria.
Read all 2 answers
What are your classes like?

I am a religion major and I absolutely love my classes. Although the religion department is small, many students find it is not always easy to get a seat in a religion class because they are so popular. Most of my classes are a combination of lectures and class discussion, which makes for a nice medium between learning directly from the teacher and using that knowledge in lively debate with my peers. Many of my religions classes are provocative, and teachers welcome students to share their opinions, even if it is controversial.
Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

51%

female

49%

male

3,571

Total Undergrad Enrollment

Total Grad Students

77%

Out-Of-State

16%

In-State

International

Organizations

150

Student Organizations

Fraternities

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

83%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native

N/A

% Asian/Pacific Islander

% Black or African-American

% Hispanic/Latino

% White or Caucasian

75%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

58% of students attending Bucknell University receive some sort of financial aid. 12% were awarded federal grants. While 34% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

$51,960

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$900

Books and Supplies

$12,656

Room and Board

65,516

Total On Campus

Family Income

Cost

$0 - $30K

$19,257

$30 - $48K

$18,402

$48 - $75K

$24,514

$75 - $110K

$33,570

$110K & UP

$46,785

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

Bucknell University

Lewisburg PA , 17837

Get started

Sign up

Log in