Bucknell University
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania · Private
Bucknell University admitted 32% of 11,561 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1170–1360 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 86% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Bucknell University
Enter a score to see whether Bucknell University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (32%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Bucknell University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 10, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 10, 2027
The application fee is $50, and Bucknell University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Bucknell University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Bucknell University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 55% (656 of 1,200), compared with 32% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
2,908 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,384 took it, and 150 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Bucknell University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Important
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Religion
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- State residency
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.58 GPA. 56% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $83,790 a year. After grants, students paid $38,486 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Bucknell University’s acceptance rate?
Bucknell University admitted 32% of applicants: 3,723 of 11,561 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Bucknell University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 10, 2027, and regular decision is due January 10, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Bucknell University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1170 to 1360, with a median around 1270. A score at or above 1270 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Bucknell University’s application fee?
The application fee is $50 for 2026–27, and Bucknell University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Bucknell University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Bucknell University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Bucknell University have supplemental essays?
No. Bucknell University has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Bucknell University require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Bucknell University uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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