Bucknell University admitted 32% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,723 of 11,561, Common Data Set 2025-26). Bucknell University admitted 55% of early decision applicants (656 of 1,200). Of the 1,384 students who took a spot on the wait list, 150 were admitted (11%). Bucknell University is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
11,561
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
25–32
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.58
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
30%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$50
waivers exist
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Can I get into Bucknell University?
32% of applicants get in
Competitive: your grades and the classes you took matter most. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1170–1360 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
11,561 applied, 3,723 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Bucknell University need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 29% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1270 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 656 of 1,200 early decision applicants got in (55%), against 32% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
62days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
62days
Regular decision
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
2,908 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,384 took one. 150 of them got in (11%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Bucknell University looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, essay, activities, talent or ability, character.
Counts a lot
Volunteering, work experience.
Also considered
Class rank, SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, religion, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Bucknell University rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Bucknell University's acceptance rate?
Bucknell University admitted 32% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,723 of 11,561, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Bucknell University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1170–1360. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Bucknell University early decision?
For fall 2025, 656 of 1,200 early decision applicants got in (55%), against 32% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Bucknell University take students off the wait list?
2,908 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,384 took one. 150 of them got in (11%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: bucknell.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: bucknell.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 4, 2026)
