When comparing two schools, it is essential to analyze various factors to make an informed decision. This article provides a detailed comparison between Colgate University and Bucknell University, focusing on aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes. By examining each institution’s characteristics, you can better determine which school may be the best fit for your educational needs and goals.
Colgate Overview
Colgate University, founded in 1819, is a private liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York. The university offers an intimate learning environment with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and close relationships with professors. Colgate prides itself on its strong commitment to undergraduate research, global perspectives, and a diverse community of learners.
Colgate Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Colgate, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $74,000 per year. However, the university offers generous financial aid packages, with 43% of students receiving need-based grants. The average need-based grant is around $53,000, significantly reducing the financial burden for those who qualify.
Colgate Admissions
Admission to Colgate is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 24.9%. The middle 50% of enrolled students have an SAT score range of 1330-1500 and an ACT range of 31-34. Colgate values well-rounded students with strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and a demonstrated interest in the school.
Colgate Degrees Offered
Colgate offers more than 55 majors and minors in various fields, including the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Some popular majors include economics, political science, biology, and psychology. The university also offers pre-professional programs in areas such as pre-law, pre-engineering, and pre-health.
Colgate Academics
At Colgate, students can expect a rigorous academic experience with an average class size of 19 students. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education, requiring students to complete a core curriculum that includes courses in writing, languages, and global perspectives. Additionally, 73% of students participate in research or study abroad programs, providing valuable experiential learning opportunities.
Colgate Diversity
Diversity is an important aspect of the Colgate experience. Approximately 34% of the student body identifies as students of color, and international students represent more than 45 countries. The university is committed to creating an inclusive environment by offering resources and support services, such as the Office of Equity and Diversity, cultural clubs, and affinity groups.
Colgate Students
Colgate has a total enrollment of around 2,900 undergraduate students, providing a close-knit and supportive community. Students can choose from more than 200 clubs and organizations, ranging from sports and recreation to cultural and political groups. Greek life is prevalent on campus, with around 30% of students participating in fraternities and sororities.
Colgate Campus
The Colgate campus is situated on 575 acres of picturesque land in central New York, offering a rural setting with access to outdoor recreational activities. The university has state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern library, science center, and arts center. On-campus housing is required for all four years, with a variety of options such as traditional residence halls, townhouses, and theme houses.
Colgate Alumni
Colgate boasts a strong alumni network of over 34,000 individuals who have achieved success in various fields, including business, law, medicine, and nonprofit work. Notable alumni include author and journalist Thomas Friedman, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and actress Jennifer Garner.
Colgate Rankings
Colgate consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Colgate is ranked 20th among National Liberal Arts Colleges and 38th in Best Value Schools.
Colgate Outcomes
Graduates of Colgate have a high rate of success, with 95% of the Class of 2019 either employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Colgate graduates is around $63,000, and the mid-career salary is approximately $137,000.
Bucknell Overview
Bucknell University, founded in 1846, is a private liberal arts college located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers a comprehensive education with more than 60 majors and 70 minors across three colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Freeman College of Management. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, Bucknell fosters an environment of close collaboration and engagement between students and faculty.
Bucknell Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Bucknell, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is around $75,000 per year. However, the university offers financial aid packages to help offset these expenses, with 56% of students receiving need-based grants. The average need-based grant is approximately $35,000, reducing the overall cost for eligible students.
Bucknell Admissions
Admission to Bucknell is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 33.8%. The middle 50% of enrolled students have an SAT score range of 1250-1420 and an ACT range of 28-32. Like Colgate, Bucknell seeks well-rounded students with strong academic backgrounds, extracurricular involvement, and a demonstrated interest in the school.
Bucknell Degrees Offered
Bucknell offers a wide range of degree programs across its three colleges. Popular majors include management, engineering, psychology, and biology. In addition to traditional liberal arts majors, the university offers several interdisciplinary and pre-professional programs, such as environmental studies, neuroscience, and pre-health.
Bucknell Academics
Academics at Bucknell are characterized by small class sizes, with an average class size of 20 students. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education, requiring students to complete a core curriculum that includes courses in writing, languages, and global perspectives. Additionally, 45% of students participate in research or study abroad programs, enhancing their academic experiences with hands-on learning.
Bucknell Diversity
Diversity is a priority at Bucknell, with approximately 26% of the student body identifying as students of color and international students representing more than 40 countries. The university is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and offers resources such as the Office of Equity and Inclusive Excellence, cultural clubs, and affinity groups.
Bucknell Students
Bucknell has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,600 students, providing a supportive and close-knit community. Students can participate in over 200 clubs and organizations, including sports, recreation, cultural, and political groups. Greek life is also popular on campus, with about 40% of students involved in fraternities and sororities.
Bucknell Campus
The Bucknell campus spans 450 acres in central Pennsylvania, offering a picturesque setting with access to outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. The university features modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, science center, and arts center. On-campus housing is required for the first three years, with options including traditional residence halls, apartments, and themed housing.
Bucknell Alumni
Bucknell has a strong alumni network of over 52,000 individuals who have found success in various industries such as business, law, medicine, and nonprofit work. Notable alumni include author Philip Roth, former U.S. Senator Christoper Dodd, and CEO of Teach For America, Elisa Villanueva Beard.
Bucknell Rankings
Bucknell consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Bucknell is ranked 34th among National Liberal Arts Colleges and 48th in Best Value Schools.
Bucknell Outcomes
Graduates of Bucknell have a high rate of success, with 93% of the Class of 2019 either employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Bucknell graduates is around $62,000, and the mid-career salary is approximately $126,000.
Colgate vs Bucknell Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance at Colgate and Bucknell, both universities have similar price tags, with Colgate’s total cost being approximately $74,000 per year and Bucknell’s being around $75,000 per year. However, the average need-based grant at Colgate is significantly higher at around $53,000, compared to Bucknell’s average grant of $35,000. This difference can make Colgate a more affordable option for students who qualify for financial aid.
Colgate vs Bucknell Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Colgate and Bucknell are competitive, with Colgate’s acceptance rate at 24.9% and Bucknell’s at 33.8%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for enrolled students are higher at Colgate, suggesting a slightly more challenging admissions process. However, both universities seek well-rounded students with strong academic records and extracurricular involvement.
Colgate vs Bucknell Academic Difficulty
Both Colgate and Bucknell offer rigorous academic experiences, with small class sizes and an emphasis on liberal arts education. Students at both schools are required to complete core curricula that include courses in writing, languages, and global perspectives. While both institutions offer challenging academic programs, the specific level of difficulty may vary depending on the individual student’s major and course load.
Colgate vs Bucknell Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates of both Colgate and Bucknell are generally positive, with high employment and graduate school attendance rates within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Colgate graduates is slightly higher at $63,000, compared to Bucknell’s $62,000. Mid-career salaries also show a difference, with Colgate graduates earning an average of $137,000 and Bucknell graduates earning around $126,000.
In conclusion, both Colgate and Bucknell are excellent institutions with strong academic programs, diverse communities, and positive outcomes for graduates. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consider factors such as financial aid, admissions difficulty, and individual academic and extracurricular interests to determine the best fit for your educational goals.
