Exploring Bucknell University's Student Population

Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 3,800 students and offers over 50 majors and 70 minors. The student body is diverse, with a gender distribution of approximately 47% male and 53% female. The university also has a strong focus on extracurricular activities, with over 250 clubs and organizations on campus and a sizable Greek community. Bucknell University's athletic teams, known as the Bucknell Bison, compete in the NCAA Division I and offer more than 25 varsity sports.

Undergraduate vs graduate students

Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, has a large undergraduate population relative to its number of graduate students. As of fall 2023, the university had 3,846 undergraduate students and 46 graduate students enrolled, with an additional 14 non-degree students bringing the total student population to 3,925. This means that undergraduates make up about 98% of the student body, while graduates represent just under 1.2%.

The gender distribution among the student body is relatively balanced, with 47.2% male students and 52.8% female students. The university's accommodation is also in high demand, with 88% of students living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 12% living off-campus.

Bucknell's undergraduate curriculum is guided by a liberal arts core, with students able to choose from more than 50 majors, including professional programs in education, engineering, management, and music. The university also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 250 clubs and organisations on campus, as well as more than 25 varsity sports teams.

The university's popularity is reflected in its high retention rates, with 96% of first-year students returning for their second year, compared to a national average of 75%. Bucknell's selectivity is also evident in its acceptance rate of 28.9% for the Class of 2027, with more than 11,000 applications received. The university's yield has increased, indicating that more accepted students are choosing to enrol.

In summary, Bucknell University has a large and predominantly undergraduate student body, with a relatively small graduate population. The university offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, contributing to its popularity and selectivity.

Male vs female students

Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 3,800 students. The gender distribution is 47.2% male students and 52.8% female students.

The university's commitment to equal educational opportunities for women dates back to the late 19th century. In 1883, college courses were opened to women, and in the same decade, the college built a new hall to accommodate the Female Institute. Bucknell's first president, Howard Malcom, served from 1846 to 1852, and the Female Institute began instruction in 1852. However, it wasn't until thirty years later that women were allowed to enrol in college courses. This commitment to gender equality was reflected in the words of David Jayne Hill, a member of the Class of 1874 and president of the college from 1879 to 1888. Hill advocated for a university where "every branch of non-professional knowledge can be pursued, regardless of distinction of sex."

Today, Bucknell University continues to promote gender equality and diversity. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 3,787 students, with a full-time enrollment of 3,760 students. Of the full-time students, 39.5% were White females, 36.1% were White males, and 4.13% were Hispanic or Latino females. The university also reported 166 more degrees awarded to women than men in the same year.

Bucknell University's student body comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a notable number of students of colour, international students, and first-generation students. The university's commitment to equal opportunities and its rich history make it an attractive choice for prospective students, resulting in a high demand for its educational offerings.

Students living on campus vs off campus

Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, offers its students a variety of housing options, with the majority of undergraduates opting to live on campus. The campus size is 449 acres, with approximately 3,846 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2023. Nearly 90% of undergraduates live on campus, enjoying the convenience of traditional residence halls, substance-free housing, or small house communities. On-campus living provides easy access to the university's academic and social offerings, including over 250 clubs and organizations.

For those who prefer a more independent lifestyle, off-campus housing is also available. This option may appeal to students seeking greater privacy or a change of scenery from the traditional campus experience. Off-campus housing typically involves renting an apartment or house in the surrounding area, which can offer more space and freedom to customize one's living environment.

Living on campus at Bucknell University provides a host of advantages. The convenience of being close to classes, libraries, and other academic resources is invaluable for students who want to make the most of their educational experience. With a short commute to lectures and study groups, on-campus residents can maximize their time and easily access the support they need. Additionally, living on campus facilitates stronger connections with peers and fosters a sense of community. The proximity to classmates and campus events encourages students to form lasting friendships and build a solid support network.

On the other hand, off-campus living offers its own set of benefits. For students who value their independence and privacy, having their own space away from the hustle and bustle of campus life can be appealing. Off-campus housing often provides more opportunities for customization, allowing students to create an environment that aligns with their unique preferences and lifestyles. Additionally, living off campus can be a chance to explore the local community, discover new neighbourhoods, and develop a deeper connection to the town of Lewisburg.

Ultimately, the decision between living on or off campus depends on each student's individual preferences and circumstances. Both options have their advantages, and Bucknell University works to accommodate the diverse needs of its student body. With a variety of housing choices available, students can choose the living arrangement that best suits their academic, social, and personal goals, ensuring they can make the most of their time at the university.

Students by race and ethnicity

Bucknell University has a diverse student population, with a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds represented on campus. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 3,787 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Of these, 75.1% identified as White, 7.24% as Hispanic or Latino, 4.57% as Asian, 4.07% as Black or African American, 3.64% as Two or More Races, 0.0528% as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.0264% as American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, 6 students, or 0.158%, did not report their race.

When considering the full-time undergraduate population specifically, the racial and ethnic breakdown is as follows: 39.5% White Female, 36.1% White Male, 4.13% Hispanic or Latino Female, 3.41% Black or African American Male, 2.74% Asian Male, 2.26% Two or More Races Female, 1.36% Hispanic or Latino Male, and 1.14% Black or African American Female.

In terms of degree recipients, the racial and ethnic distribution is similar. In 2022, a total of 1,094 degrees were awarded, with the majority (804 degrees) going to White students. The next largest group was Hispanic or Latino students, who received 75 degrees, followed by Asian students with 52 degrees, Black or African American students with 44 degrees, students with Two or More Races receiving 23 degrees, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders receiving 1 degree.

Bucknell University's student body reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds contributing to the campus community. The university's Center for Social Science Research, Center for the Study of Race Ethnicity and Gender, and Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives and Cultures further demonstrate this commitment through their research, programming, and support for students from diverse backgrounds.

Students by year

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1846, it now consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering.

In the fall of 2023, Bucknell University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,846. The gender distribution was 47.2% male students and 52.8% female students. The student body comprises 3,867 undergraduates, 44 graduate students, and 14 non-degree students. The enrollment figure reflects one of the highest sophomore retention rates in the University's history, with 96.3% of the Class of 2026 students remaining enrolled. The University also welcomed its second-largest incoming class in history, with 1,033 students in the Class of 2027.

In 2022, Bucknell University had a total enrollment of 3,787 students, with 3,760 studying full-time and 27 part-time. The student body was comprised of 3,291 admitted students, with a 28.9% admission rate. The average high school GPA for admitted students was 3.62 (on a 4.0 scale). The middle 50% SAT scores for reading and writing were 640-740, while math scores were 670-760. The ACT middle 50% composite range was 31-34.

Bucknell University offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and interests. With its strong reputation and commitment to educational excellence, the University continues to be a sought-after choice for many prospective students.

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