Lafayette College vs Bucknell University

Lafayette College and Bucknell University, both esteemed private institutions in Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences. Lafayette, nestled in Easton, boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate (34%) compared to Bucknell's (29%). While Bucknell's student body is larger, Lafayette maintains a smaller student-to-faculty ratio, fostering closer interactions between students and professors. Both universities excel in liberal arts and sciences, with popular majors like economics, biology, and engineering. However, Bucknell offers a wider range of engineering programs. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including graduation rates, financial aid opportunities, and campus life aspects, to determine which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bucknell University	Lafayette College
Overview
Location	Lewisburg, Pennsylvania	Easton, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	34.5%	40.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50	$65
SAT range	1295 - 1450	1300 - 1460
ACT range	29 - 33	30 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	35.0%	28.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	13.0%
Total number of applicants	11,263	8,262
Total number of admissions given out	3,886	3,366
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,027	782
Yield rate	26.4%	23.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$77,740	$75,934
Average net price	$38,170	$38,754
Tuition	$59,474	$55,874
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,192 Meal plan: $5,682	Room/dormitory: $10,308 Meal plan: $6,362
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	59.0% Average amount $37,752	61.0% Average amount $34,668
Students receiving federal student loan	32.0% Average amount $5,232	26.0% Average amount $4,491
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $23,169	7.0% Average amount $23,831

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,724 Men 47.1% Women 52.9%	2,725 Men 51.2% Women 48.8%
Graduate students	33 Men 30.3% Women 69.7%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.9%	82.6%
International students	5.3%	7.8%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,394	2,510
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Connecticut Maryland	New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Mississippi Connecticut

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Social Sciences Education Foreign Languages and Literatures	Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Physical Science Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	87.9%
Dropout rate	0.6%	2.5%
Transferred out	11.3%	9.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,290 Year 2: $66,147 Year 3: $82,360 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,437 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $80,333 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,748 Year 2: $69,002 Year 3: $76,198 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,343 Year 2: $49,683 Year 3: $69,149 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,231 Year 2: $65,610 Year 3: $68,732 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $66,842 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,041 Year 2: $55,102 Year 3: $63,698 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,358 Year 2: $49,136 Year 3: $60,608 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,507 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,352 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,905 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $55,173	Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,532 Year 2: $68,379 Year 3: $80,306 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,033 Year 2: $65,238 Year 3: $78,021 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,247 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $76,714 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,784 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,536 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,714 Year 2: $72,403 Year 3: $75,320 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,927 Year 2: $58,943 Year 3: $72,455 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,229 Year 2: $48,198 Year 3: $60,266 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,408 Year 2: $44,468 Year 3: $57,092 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,680 Year 2: $32,391 Year 3: $50,156 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,170 Year 3: $48,201

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic differences between Lafayette College and Bucknell University?

Lafayette College is known for its strong engineering programs alongside its liberal arts offerings, creating a unique interdisciplinary environment. Bucknell University also excels in both engineering and liberal arts, but it has a larger College of Management and a broader range of specialized programs, including education and pre-health professions. Both institutions offer a wide array of undergraduate majors, but Lafayette's integration of engineering with the liberal arts is a distinctive feature.
How do the campus environments and locations compare?

Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, a small city with a historic downtown area. The campus is situated on a hill overlooking the city, providing scenic views. Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, a quintessential college town. Bucknell's campus is more self-contained and offers a more traditional college town experience. Both locations offer access to outdoor activities and are within driving distance of major metropolitan areas.
What is the typical student body size and student-faculty ratio at each institution?

Lafayette College has a smaller student body, typically around 2,600 undergraduates, which contributes to a close-knit community. Bucknell University is slightly larger, with approximately 3,700 undergraduates. Both institutions boast low student-faculty ratios (around 9:1 at Lafayette and 10:1 at Bucknell), ensuring personalized attention and opportunities for close interaction with professors.
How do the costs of attendance compare between Lafayette and Bucknell?

The cost of attendance at both Lafayette College and Bucknell University is relatively similar, placing them among the more expensive private institutions. Tuition, fees, room, and board are comparable. However, the actual cost for individual students can vary significantly based on financial aid packages. It's essential to explore the financial aid options offered by each institution to determine the most affordable choice.
What are the athletic programs like at Lafayette and Bucknell?

Both Lafayette College and Bucknell University compete in the NCAA Division I Patriot League. Lafayette's athletic program is known for its historic rivalry with Lehigh University, particularly in football. Bucknell University has a broader range of Division I sports and has achieved notable success in various athletic programs. Both schools offer a vibrant athletic environment for student-athletes and fans alike.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each school?

Both Lafayette College and Bucknell University offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship placement assistance. Lafayette's location near major cities like New York and Philadelphia provides access to a wide range of internship opportunities, particularly in finance and engineering. Bucknell's strong alumni network and career development programs also facilitate internship placements across various industries. Both institutions prioritize preparing students for successful careers after graduation.
How do the social and extracurricular activities differ between Lafayette and Bucknell?

Both Lafayette College and Bucknell University offer a wide range of social and extracurricular activities, including student clubs, organizations, Greek life, and cultural events. Bucknell, being in a more traditional college town, might have a stronger emphasis on campus-centered social life. Lafayette's proximity to Easton and larger cities provides students with more opportunities to explore off-campus activities and entertainment. The specific social atmosphere will depend on individual preferences and involvement in campus life.
What are the strengths of each school's alumni network?

Both Lafayette College and Bucknell University have strong and active alumni networks that provide valuable resources for students and graduates. Bucknell's larger alumni base offers a broader network across various industries and geographic locations. Lafayette's alumni network is particularly strong in the fields of engineering, finance, and government, reflecting the college's academic strengths. Both alumni networks are committed to supporting current students through mentorship, networking events, and career opportunities.
How do the research opportunities for undergraduates compare?

Both Lafayette College and Bucknell University emphasize undergraduate research and provide ample opportunities for students to engage in faculty-mentored research projects. Lafayette's integration of engineering and the liberal arts fosters interdisciplinary research opportunities. Bucknell's larger faculty and broader range of academic departments may offer a wider variety of research areas. Both institutions provide funding and resources to support undergraduate research endeavors.
What type of student typically thrives at Lafayette versus Bucknell?

A student who thrives at Lafayette College is often someone who appreciates a close-knit community, a strong emphasis on both engineering and the liberal arts, and a location that offers access to both a small city and larger metropolitan areas. A student who thrives at Bucknell University is often someone who enjoys a more traditional college town experience, a broader range of academic programs, and a larger student body. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual preferences, academic interests, and desired campus environment.

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