Bucknell's published cost of attendance is $79,956 per year, including $64,772 in tuition, $16,118 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $40,429 after financial aid, representing savings of $39,527 through institutional and federal aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $79,956 |
| Tuition and Fees | $64,772 |
| Room and Board | $16,118 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$39,527 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $40,429 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $21,406 |
| $30–48k | $19,554 |
| $48–75k | $20,932 |
| $75–110k | $36,128 |
| $110k+ | $55,354 |
Bucknell's published cost of attendance is $79,956 per year, including $64,772 in tuition, $16,118 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $40,429 after financial aid, representing savings of $39,527 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price places Bucknell $13,286 above the peer median of $27,143, reflecting the premium associated with selective private education.
The substantial gap between sticker price and average net price demonstrates significant institutional investment in financial aid, though costs remain higher than public alternatives. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $21,406 for families earning under $30,000 to $55,354 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure helps make Bucknell more accessible to lower-income families while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to full cost.
Bucknell's financial aid structure reflects typical patterns for selective private institutions, with substantial aid concentrated among lower-income students. The 11.1% Pell share indicates that roughly one in nine students receives federal Pell grants, lower than public institutions but consistent with selective private colleges.
Financial aid saves an average of $39,527 per student, representing nearly half of the published cost of attendance. The progressive net price structure—with families earning under $75,000 paying around $20,000 while families earning over $110,000 pay $55,354—demonstrates institutional commitment to income-based aid distribution.
This aid targeting helps explain how Bucknell achieves exceptional outcomes for low-income students despite higher overall costs. The substantial institutional investment in financial aid, combined with federal aid programs, makes Bucknell more accessible than sticker prices suggest, though costs remain above public alternatives for most income levels.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Bucknell graduates carry median debt of $27,000, ranking in the 4th percentile nationally and categorized as modestly below average. This debt level exceeds the peer median of $24,181 by $2,819, reflecting higher borrowing typical of private institutions despite substantial financial aid.
Debt ranges from $14,855 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, with the narrow range indicating consistent borrowing patterns across students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 remains manageable given exceptional graduate earnings of $93,807, meaning typical debt represents less than one-third of first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $60,058 with monthly payments of $791, indicating significant family investment in Bucknell education. While debt levels exceed peer institutions, the combination of manageable amounts relative to earnings and exceptional long-term financial outcomes supports the value proposition for families willing to make this investment in higher education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Bucknell represents a high-cost, high-return investment in higher education that delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes. Graduates earn $30,741 more than peer institution graduates ($93,807 vs $63,066), while carrying $2,819 more debt—a favorable tradeoff that strongly supports return on investment.
The institution ranks at the 97th percentile for return on investment, among the highest we track, demonstrating exceptional value despite higher upfront costs. Graduate earnings rank in the 98th percentile nationally while debt remains at manageable levels relative to income potential.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 compares favorably to many institutions with lower absolute debt but weaker earnings outcomes. For families who can manage the higher costs, Bucknell delivers exceptional long-term financial returns that justify the investment.
