Bucknell University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$259,088
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$43,852/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
239%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Bucknell University's high tuition cost of $64,772 is offset by strong earnings potential. One year after graduation, the median salary is $59,472. Five years out, earnings increase to $78,852, and after ten years, graduates earn $93,807. The median debt for graduates is $27,000, and 34.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Bucknell graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $27,000 and a starting salary of $59,472, graduates can manage their debt effectively. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively short break-even timeline, where the increased earnings from a Bucknell degree outweigh the initial investment in tuition and associated costs.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,772
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$78,852
Graduation Rate
86%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $259,088 | $79,134 | 241% |
| Political Science and Government. | $259,088 | $69,853 | 169% |
| Biology, General. | $259,088 | $59,793 | 91% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $259,088 | $93,021 | 348% |
| Psychology, General. | $259,088 | $50,805 | 22% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | $259,088 | $69,653 | 167% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $259,088 | $87,329 | 304% |
| Computer Engineering. | $259,088 | $0 | N/A |
| Marketing. | $259,088 | $71,936 | 185% |
| Civil Engineering. | $259,088 | $78,184 | 233% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $259,088 | $60,450 | 96% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $259,088 | $79,711 | 245% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.