Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Bucknell's 32% acceptance rate and high test score requirements, most applicants should have backup options. The alternatives below offer strong outcomes with different admission profiles.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Union College in New York (43.8% acceptance, $88,604 median earnings) located 199 miles away. George Washington University in DC admits 43.5% of applicants while producing graduates earning $90,873, just 3.1% less than Bucknell graduates. Both institutions offer strong liberal arts and professional programs with significantly more accessible admission while maintaining comparable career outcomes.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in Pennsylvania should consider Lafayette College (31.5% acceptance, $91,410 earnings) just 89 miles away with nearly identical outcomes and similar selectivity. Lehigh University offers higher earnings ($105,584) 82 miles away, though with slightly more competitive admission at 29.3%. Franklin and Marshall College provides another Pennsylvania option 69 miles away with very similar admission rates.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other selective options include Lafayette College with virtually identical admission rates (31.5% vs 32.0%) and comparable test scores, located 89 miles away in Pennsylvania. Binghamton University offers similar selectivity (37.7% acceptance) with strong outcomes ($80,596 earnings) at significantly lower cost as a public institution. Franklin and Marshall College matches Bucknell's selectivity almost exactly at 31.8% acceptance.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
