Bucknell University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Bucknell, test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant: 68% of students submit SAT scores. Aim for the upper half of Bucknell’s SAT range, roughly 1280 to 1380, or a 30-plus ACT, while keeping your GPA and coursework aligned with its 3.62 average.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Bucknell University facts and stats
Bucknell University enrolls about 3,920 undergraduates on a rural campus. Bucknell has a 94% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 86%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
Lewisburg, PA
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Key Bucknell University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 10
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
November 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Bucknell is test-optional, use this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and senior-year fall for retakes and potential superscore gains; for the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake likely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Bucknell is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $67,812, and 40% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $19,010; submit the FAFSA by the November 15 priority deadline.
Bucknell’s total cost of attendance is about $84,736, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 40% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $54,712. Merit awards average $19,010 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $45,610.
Student life at Bucknell University
76% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 31% of men join fraternities, and 43% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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