Bucknell University ROI Analysis
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
above 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 of $64,772 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. 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, the debt represents less than half of the annual income. This suggests graduates are well-positioned to manage their debt.
Given the tuition and earnings data, the break-even point, or the time it takes to recoup the initial investment in tuition, is relatively long. The high tuition cost means it takes several years of earnings to offset the initial investment. However, the increasing earnings over time suggest a positive return on investment for Bucknell graduates.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $79,134 | 241% |
| Political Science and Government | $69,853 | 169% |
| Biology, General | $59,793 | 91% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $93,021 | 348% |
| Psychology, General | $50,805 | 22% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,329 | 304% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $69,653 | 167% |
| Computer Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Marketing | $71,936 | 185% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $60,450 | 96% |
| Civil Engineering | $78,184 | 233% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $79,711 | 245% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.