Bucknell University's Student Population: How Many Attend?

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, founded in 1846. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,800 students, with a campus size of 445 acres. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, with an average class size of 20 students. The university consists of three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. The acceptance rate for the 2024-25 academic year was 28.9%.

Undergraduate and graduate student numbers

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. It consists of three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. The university offers 60 majors and 70 minors in the sciences and humanities.

As of fall 2023, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,846 students. This number has grown over the years, with the university opening its 2023-24 academic year with a record enrollment of 3,867 undergraduates, 44 graduate students, and 14 non-degree students. The total number of students was 3,925. The university has seen more than 11,000 applications in each of the past three years, with an acceptance rate of 28.9%.

The student body is diverse, with 22% students of color, 5% international students, and 10.2% first-generation college students. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 20. The campus size is 445 acres, with a rural setting.

Student demographics

Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 3,800 students. The student body is diverse, with 22% students of color, 5% Asian, 4% Black, 7% Hispanic/Latino, and 4% of multiple races/ethnicities. There are also 5% international students and 10.2% first-generation college students. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, with an average class size of 20.

The university offers more than 60 majors and 70 minors across three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Freeman College of Management. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest, hosting 66% of all students enrolled in fifty majors. The university has a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to take courses in all three colleges and combine their passions across different fields.

Bucknell University has a vibrant and diverse student community with various extracurricular activities and over 200 student clubs. The university also has a strong athletic program, with 27 Division I sports teams and a high student-athlete graduation rate of 91%. Greek life is also prominent, with seven active fraternity chapters and nine active sorority chapters.

The university's acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 28.9%, with an average high school GPA of 3.62. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for enrolled freshmen was 640-740 for reading and writing, and 670-760 for math. The ACT middle 50% composite range was 31-34.

Student-faculty ratio

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. It has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, with an average class size of 20 students. The university consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering.

The student-faculty ratio at Bucknell University is indicative of the university's commitment to providing a personalized education and dynamic discussions in small classes. The ratio ensures that professors can devote time to sharing their expertise and engaging with students both academically and socially. The small class sizes allow for individualized attention from professors, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

The student-faculty ratio also contributes to the university's interdisciplinary approach, where students are empowered to explore their interests across different disciplines and combine their passions. With around 400 faculty members for approximately 3,950 undergraduate students, the ratio enables professors to guide and support students in their academic pursuits and extracurricular endeavours.

The low student-faculty ratio at Bucknell University is further enhanced by the university's emphasis on experiential learning and innovative education. Students are encouraged to go beyond traditional classroom learning, utilizing state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces across the campus. The university's size and ratio create a tight-knit community that values teamwork and a well-rounded educational experience.

In summary, the student-faculty ratio of 9:1 at Bucknell University facilitates a dynamic and personalized learning environment. It encourages student-professor interactions, fosters interdisciplinary studies, and promotes a collaborative community that extends beyond the classroom. This ratio is a key factor in the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded and innovative educational experience for its students.

Acceptance rate

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1846, it consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. The university offers 65 majors and 70 minors across these three colleges.

Bucknell's acceptance rate for the class of 2028 was 28.9%, with 3,291 out of 11,377 applicants receiving an offer. The average high school GPA for enrolled freshmen was 3.62. The university is test-optional, meaning applicants can choose whether or not to submit SAT and ACT scores. However, for those who did submit test scores, the middle 50% range of SAT scores for the enrolled freshmen was 640–740 for reading and writing, and 670–760 for math. The ACT middle 50% composite range was 31–34.

The university's selectivity has been rated as "more selective" by U.S. News & World Report, and it has been described as a "Goldilocks school" by The Princeton Review—not too big or small, but "just right." Bucknell's admissions process considers various factors, including the rigor of the student's secondary school record, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

With a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,800 to 3,900 students, Bucknell offers a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for personalized attention and dynamic discussions in small classes. The average class size is approximately 20 students.

Tuition fees and financial aid

Bucknell University's tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year are $67,812. This figure includes both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. However, the total cost of attending Bucknell is higher when taking into account additional expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. The total cost for the 2024-25 academic year is estimated to be $84,590.

It is important to note that the net price, which is the average cost of the university after aid and scholarship funds are deducted, is lower than the sticker price. For the 2024-25 academic year, the net price for the average student receiving need-based aid is $40,841.

Bucknell University offers a range of financial aid options to its students. The university met 87% of its students' financial aid needs in the fall of 2022. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $47,662, and 46% of first-year students received this type of aid. Additionally, the university offers merit-based scholarships and grants, with the average award amount being $22,765 for first-year students.

The university also provides need-based self-help aid, which includes federal loans and work-study programs. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $5,089. Furthermore, over half of Bucknell University students receive financial aid in some form, including loans and work-study opportunities. The university's Office of Financial Aid assists students in understanding their options and guiding them through the application process for grants, loans, and work-study positions.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the cost of attendance budget is $88,496. This includes direct charges such as tuition and fees, as well as estimated costs for books, course materials, supplies, personal and travel expenses, and loan fees. The university offers a monthly payment plan through Nelnet Campus Commerce, which allows students to divide college costs into consecutive, monthly, interest-free installments.

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