Bucknell University vs Lehigh University

Bucknell University and Lehigh University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Bucknell and Lehigh are well-regarded private universities in Pennsylvania but vary in academic concentration and international recognition. Nationally, Lehigh is slightly higher ranked—ranked approximately #58 nationwide—than Bucknell at #73. Internationally, neither university is top 100 ranked but both are regionally known for high-quality undergraduate education and limited graduate programs.

In subject areas, Lehigh is strong in Engineering, Business, and Applied Sciences, with its College of Business and P.C. Rossin College of Engineering receiving national recognition. Bucknell is strong in Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Engineering, with a commitment to undergraduate instruction and interdisciplinary studies. Lehigh has a greater research activity, while Bucknell has a liberal arts orientation with selective graduate programs.

General Information

Lehigh University is a medium-sized research university based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a student enrollment of about 7,590, of which 5,811 are undergraduates. It has a wide array of graduate programs and a more urban campus environment. Bucknell University, based in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, is a smaller liberal arts university with a student body of about 3,892, of which 3,846 are undergraduates. Its campus is more rural and close-knit, focusing on close faculty-student interaction and undergraduate research.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions at both institutions are competitive but not as selective as Ivy League schools.

Lehigh has an acceptance rate of 29%, SAT averages ranging from 1350–1490, and ACT averages of 31–33.

Bucknell is somewhat less selective with an acceptance rate of 32%, SATs between 1300–1450, and comparable ACT ranges.

Lehigh has a broader range of graduate programs such as MBAs, engineering master's degrees, and cross-disciplinary research institutes. Bucknell graduate programs are more specialized, with emphasis on master's degrees in education and engineering.

Research Impact & Facilities

Lehigh has a high research activity designation, with strong facilities in applied sciences, business analytics, and engineering. It has up-to-date labs, centers for innovation, and industry partnerships. Bucknell is not as research-oriented but has very good undergraduate research opportunities, particularly in the sciences and humanities. Its facilities consist of the Weis Center for Performing Arts, Bucknell Observatory, and state-of-the-art engineering lab spaces, all in a liberal arts setting.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both institutions are private and costly, with fees ranging around INR 51–54 lakhs annually (roughly converted from ~$61,000–$64,000).

Lehigh's average net price is lower (INR 27.6 lakhs) with greater average grant aid (INR 36.5 lakhs).

Bucknell provides average grant aid of INR 34.5 lakhs with a net price of ~INR 31.9 lakhs.

Both institutions offer need-based and merit-based assistance, including international student support, although Lehigh's greater endowment permits more extensive financial aid.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Lehigh alumni have a median salary of INR 73.9 lakhs ten years after graduation (converted from ~$89,200), with excellent placement in engineering, finance, and consulting. Bucknell has a strong alumni base, particularly in the Northeast U.S. Bucknell graduates have a median salary of INR 63.2 lakhs (converted from $76,300), with significant achievement in liberal arts, education, and early-stage business. Bucknell was ranked #1 among liberal arts colleges by LinkedIn for long-term career success, citing its strength in developing leadership and progress.