Lewisburg, PA · Private University
Is Bucknell University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$93,807
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$64,772
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,772
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$259,088
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.45x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
86.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$40,429
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Bucknell University graduates earn $48,807 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Bucknell University ranked by graduate earnings
17 graduates
39 graduates
18 graduates
17 graduates
81 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Bucknell University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Bucknell University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Engineering: $140,705) and the lowest (Psychology, General: $50,805) is $89,900/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer EngineeringBest ROI | $140,705 | 2.2x |
| Chemical Engineering | $101,352 | 1.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $93,021 | 1.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,329 | 1.4x |
| Economics | $79,134 | 1.2x |
| Civil Engineering | $78,184 | 1.2x |
| Marketing | $71,936 | 1.1x |
| Political Science and Government | $69,853 | 1.1x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $69,653 | 1.1x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $68,553 | 1.1x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $63,177 | 1.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $60,450 | 0.9x |
| Biology, General | $59,793 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $50,805 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucknell University | 1.45x | $93,807 | Average ROI |
| Lafayette College | 1.46x | $91,410 | Average ROI |
| Trinity College | 1.35x | $90,779 | Average ROI |
| Lehigh University | 1.70x | $105,584 | Good ROI |
| Villanova University | 1.55x | $100,423 | Good ROI |
| College of the Holy Cross | 1.49x | $90,543 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Bucknell University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $93,807 10 years after starting — $48,807 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.