A straight answer: 28.9% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 29 actually get in. No guessing. Bucknell University is a 4YEAR institution located in Lewisburg, PA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Bucknell University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Is Bucknell University Hard to Get Into?
Understanding the Acceptance Rate
“How hard is Bucknell University to get into?” is one of the most common questions students ask—and the acceptance rate is usually where they look for answers. But acceptance rates alone don’t tell the full story of admissions difficulty.
The Bucknell University acceptance rate of 28.9% represents overall outcomes across all applicants. That includes students with different academic strengths, intended majors, and application strategies. For individual applicants, the reality is more nuanced.
Acceptance Rate Is an Average, Not a Prediction
Acceptance rates summarize past admissions cycles, not future decisions. They don’t account for changes in applicant behavior, shifts in program demand, or how competitive a specific applicant pool may be in a given year.
At Bucknell University, admissions outcomes can vary widely depending on where an applicant fits within the broader pool. Students applying with focused academic goals and strong preparation often face a very different experience than those applying more generally.
What Matters More Than the Number
While acceptance rate helps frame expectations, it doesn’t measure readiness or fit. Universities evaluate students based on how well their background aligns with institutional goals, academic offerings, and long-term outcomes.
Instead of asking whether the acceptance rate at Bucknell University is “good” or “bad,” applicants should focus on whether their academic path makes sense for the school. That perspective leads to better decisions—and usually, better results.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Bucknell University
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Bucknell University based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherHow Students Should Use Admissions Information Going Forward
After reviewing admissions data, many students feel pressure to draw firm conclusions. But college admissions rarely reward certainty — they reward preparation and thoughtful decision-making.
Admissions outcomes are influenced by shifting factors: applicant interest, program capacity, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel approachable to one student and competitive to another.
Turning Research into Strategy
The best applicants use admissions information to shape their approach, not limit their options. They ask where they are competitive, where they may need stronger positioning, and how each school fits into their overall goals.
If Bucknell University aligns with your academic direction and expectations, then admissions data should help you plan — not second-guess yourself. Strategy, not speculation, leads to better outcomes.
Should You Apply to Bucknell University?
If 28.9% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Bucknell University
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Bucknell University Acceptance Rate
Is Bucknell University public or private?
Bucknell University is a private institution that emphasizes a liberal arts education alongside strong professional programs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bucknell?
Bucknell's student-faculty ratio is about 9:1, which supports close interactions and mentoring between students and professors.
Does Bucknell require SAT or ACT scores?
Bucknell has operated under a test-optional policy in recent admissions cycles; applicants should confirm the current policy on the university's admissions website for the latest cycle.
What academic programs is Bucknell known for?
Bucknell is especially known for strong programs in engineering, management (e.g., accounting and finance), and its broad liberal arts curriculum, with many opportunities for undergraduate research.
What kind of campus environment can I expect at Bucknell?
Bucknell offers a close-knit residential campus with active student organizations, Division I athletics, and a culture that blends academic focus with extracurricular involvement—well-suited to students who prefer a supportive, engaged community.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Bucknell University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
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