What Does It Cost to Attend Bucknell University?

Located in Pennsylvania, Bucknell University has a strong reputation. In fact, the school ranks 36th on U.S News’ list of National Liberal Arts Colleges. So, it’s no surprise that Bucknell boasts a high cost of tuition.

The good news is that prospective students are unlikely to pay the full list price to attend Bucknell University. Because college costs are highly variable, many students wind up paying a financial aid net price that’s significantly lower than the rate in the brochure. Read on to find out what it really costs to attend Bucknell University.

Why College Costs Are Highly Variable

College pricing variability can make it difficult for families to estimate the price of attending school. In particular, pricing may vary at private schools, thanks to their larger endowments. Universities like Bucknell often have more money to hand out to students in the form of grants and scholarships and are often willing to incentivize top applicants to attend.

So, what can your family expect to spend on a college degree? Rather than focusing on the sticker price listed in the brochure, take time to calculate the financial aid net price. This figure is determined by adding up the value of all state, local, and federal aid, scholarships, and grants and subtracting that from the list price.

What Is the List Price at Bucknell University?

The sticker price of a Bucknell University degree is significant. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the cost of tuition and fees was a whopping $67,600. It’s worth noting that families earning less than $175,000 a year rarely pay the full list price. Additionally, applicants in the top 30% of accepted students tend to pay less.

What Is the Bucknell University Financial Aid Net Price?

The financial aid net price of attending Bucknell University is considerably less than the list price. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the net price for tuition, room, and board was $59,801.

What Is the Family Income-Based Cost of Attending Bucknell University?

The amount your family can expect to pay to attend Bucknell University depends in large part on your annual salary. Below are average costs based on family income:

*The figures listed above don’t account for the Pell Grants families receive from the federal government. Students whose family incomes are between $0 and $30k may receive Federal Pell Grants, which lower the amount of financial aid private colleges pay them. In this sense, families in the $0 to $30k bracket may pay higher tuition costs than those in the $30k-48k bracket.

How Much Merit Aid Do Bucknell University Students Receive?

Only a small percentage of Bucknell University students receive merit-based aid. Currently, the school offers merit aid to 16.8% of students, with an average award amount of $2,294. For students who don’t qualify for financial aid, the average net tuition price was $65,306.

How Many Bucknell University Students Take Out Loans?

Almost half of Bucknell University students borrow money to finance their education. At present, 46% of students at Bucknell take out loans, with an average student loan per undergrad of $4,168.

Student Outcomes at Bucknell University

Families should consider student outcomes at Bucknell University in order to determine whether the school offers a solid return on their investment. Currently, the school boasts a six-year graduation rate of 88%, suggesting a large majority of students finish on time. The average student earns $70,800 a year a decade out from graduating.

Local Area Cost Considerations

The cost of living in Lewisburg, Penn., is on par with rates across the country. With a cost of living index of 90.6, the city is slightly more affordable than the U.S. average. Prospective students can expect to spend $610 for a one-bedroom apartment, $780 for a two-bedroom, and $1031 for a three-bed rental.

Pennsylvania has a relatively low minimum wage, so paying your way through college might be challenging. The minimum hourly cost is just $7.25. On average, Lewisburg students earn a $43,214 salary per year.

Ways to Save Money on College

If you are set on earning extra money to finance your degree, consider applying for a work-study position on the Bucknell University campus. Thes positions tend to allow students plenty of time to read and do homework while earning their degrees.

For students who prefer to concentrate on their studies, independent scholarships may help fill the financial void. Many students apply to the National Merit Scholarship program, an academic competition that recognizes the top 1 percent of PSAT test takers. This program grants funding to around 15,000 students on an annual basis. Discover more Bucknell University academic scholarships online.

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