Bucknell University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances

Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI

Quick answer: Bucknell University has a 32% acceptance rate, which makes it a selective school. Admitted students typically score around 1410 on the SAT or 31 on the ACT. Use the free calculator below to estimate your personal odds at Bucknell University.
Acceptance rate32%
SAT (75th percentile)1410
ACT (75th percentile)31
LocationPA
School typePrivate

Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, known for its close connection between liberal arts and professional programs. It accepts about 32% of applicants, placing it in the selective tier. Students who get in tend to be academically strong and engaged outside the classroom.

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How hard is it to get into Bucknell University?

Getting into Bucknell is competitive. With a 32% acceptance rate, the school turns away more than two-thirds of those who apply. That said, it is not out of reach for students with solid grades, a challenging course load, and a genuine interest in what Bucknell offers.

Bucknell is not a huge school, so each application gets real attention. Admissions officers are looking for students who fit well academically and will contribute to campus life. Showing that you have done your homework on what makes Bucknell different can help your application stand out.

Test scores that make you competitive

The SAT 75th percentile at Bucknell is 1410, and the ACT 75th percentile is 31. Students scoring at or above those numbers are in the upper range of admitted applicants. Bucknell has offered test-optional pathways in recent years, so if scores are not your strongest asset, confirm the current policy before deciding whether to include them.

What Bucknell University looks for

Bucknell wants to see that you challenged yourself in high school. Honors, AP, or IB coursework in multiple subject areas shows you are ready for college-level work. Outside the classroom, the school looks for depth and genuine commitment. A student who has pursued one or two activities seriously is more compelling than someone with a scattered list. Your essays are a chance to be specific and personal, so avoid generic answers.

Estimate your chances at Bucknell University

CollegeCalcAI has a free calculator that estimates your personal odds at Bucknell University based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. Head to collegecalcai.com to run the numbers in a few minutes. It is a practical way to see where Bucknell fits on your college list.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?

Bucknell accepts about 32% of applicants, making it a selective school where a competitive academic profile is important.

What SAT or ACT score do I need for Bucknell University?

The 75th percentile SAT score is 1410 and the ACT 75th percentile is 31. Hitting those marks puts you in strong standing among admitted students.

Is Bucknell University hard to get into?

It is competitive. Most applicants are not admitted, so you need a strong academic record and a well-rounded application to have a good shot.

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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.