Bucknell University

    Lewisburg, PA · Private non-profit · Liberal arts / baccalaureate college

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1310–1470
    Median ~1390
    Acceptance rate
    29%
    Enrollment
    3,876
    ACT middle 50%
    30–33

    Current admissions guidance for Bucknell University

    Bucknell is a private university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, with a reported 1310–1470 SAT middle-50% range in the federal College Scorecard snapshot. Its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Freeman College of Management share one admissions process.

    SAT/ACT policy

    Bucknell is test-optional through the 2026–27 application cycle. Applicants receive full consideration without SAT or ACT scores, although enrolled students who took a test may later be asked to provide results for institutional research.

    Application deadlines

    Early Decision I applications are due November 1. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications are due January 10.

    How to use your SAT score

    • A score near or above Bucknell's 1310–1470 range can strengthen the quantitative evidence in an application.
    • Applicants may omit a score that does not match their classroom performance under the current policy.
    • Apply Early Decision only after comparing costs because the plan is binding.

    Admissions details checked July 17, 2026. Verify policies before applying: Bucknell standardized testing policy · Bucknell decision plans and deadlines.

    How Bucknell University compares

    • The ~1390 SAT midpoint ranks #34 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #3 of 12 in PA.
    • Its 29% acceptance rate is more selective than 85% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 20 points toward Math (700 Math vs 680 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($93,807) are $30,741 above the $63,066 median across that pool.
    National SAT rank
    #34 of 197
    SAT rank in PA
    #3 of 12
    More selective than
    85% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    +$30,741

    What the numbers say about Bucknell University

    • The reported middle 50% spans 160 points, from 1310 to 1470. A planning score near or above 1510 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 680 Reading and Writing and 700 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 29% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 86% completion rate and $93,807 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1390 SAT scorePlan for a 1500Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $67,812
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $67,812
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $93,807
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    86%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1310 and 1470. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1510 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1470 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1390 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 1310 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1470

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    1310–1460

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 1310

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to Bucknell University's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH1310–148061%
    University of TulsaTulsa, OK1220–153062%
    North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC1300–147042%
    The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX1250–151027%
    University of GeorgiaAthens, GA1270–148038%
    Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT1270–146068%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for Bucknell University?

    Bucknell University's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1310–1470, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1510 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?

    Bucknell University's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 29%.

    How much does it cost to attend Bucknell University?

    Published tuition is approximately $67,812 per year (excludes room, board, fees).

    Is Bucknell University test-optional?

    Bucknell is test-optional through the 2026–27 application cycle. Applicants receive full consideration without SAT or ACT scores, although enrolled students who took a test may later be asked to provide results for institutional research.

    When are Bucknell University's application deadlines?

    Early Decision I applications are due November 1. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications are due January 10.

    Official site: www.bucknell.edu