If you’re deciding between Bucknell University and Lehigh University, the main pros and cons come down to differences in campus culture, academic strengths, size, location, and student opportunities. Both are prestigious private institutions with strong undergraduate programs, but each has unique characteristics that may make one a better fit for your academic, social, and career goals.
Background: Bucknell and Lehigh at a Glance
Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, founded in 1846. It has about 3,700 undergraduate students and is known for its strong programs in engineering, management, and the liberal arts. The campus is rural and picturesque, with a close-knit, residential community feel.
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1865 and has about 5,500 undergraduates. Lehigh is especially renowned for its engineering, business, and science programs. Its campus is suburban, set on a hillside with a more urban environment nearby.
Academic Strengths and Program Differences
Both Bucknell and Lehigh are highly ranked nationally and offer a range of academic programs, but their strengths differ:
- Bucknell emphasizes a liberal arts education, integrating broad-based learning with professional programs. The College of Arts & Sciences is the largest, but the College of Engineering and Freeman College of Management are also well regarded. Bucknell is known for close faculty-student relationships and small class sizes.
- Lehigh is more technical in focus, with nationally recognized engineering and business schools. The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science is a top draw, and the College of Business offers a strong undergraduate business curriculum. Lehigh’s research activity tends to be higher, and it offers more graduate programs than Bucknell.
If you are seeking a classic liberal arts experience with the option for engineering or management, Bucknell may appeal more. If your interests are specifically in engineering, business, or science, Lehigh’s technical focus and research opportunities might be a better match.
Campus Life and Student Culture
Campus culture is a significant differentiator between these two schools:
- Bucknell has a rural campus, leading to a strong sense of community. Most students live on campus and participate in a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and Greek life. Social life centers on campus events, traditions, and athletics (Bucknell is NCAA Division I, Patriot League).
- Lehigh offers a more urban-suburban mix, with the city of Bethlehem providing additional social and cultural opportunities. Lehigh’s Greek life is prominent, but the university has made efforts recently to diversify social life beyond fraternities and sororities. Lehigh is also in the Patriot League for athletics.
Both schools attract ambitious, high-achieving students, but Bucknell tends to feel more close-knit and residential, while Lehigh has a somewhat larger, more urban-influenced student body.
Location and Surroundings
- Bucknell is located in rural central Pennsylvania. Lewisburg is a small college town, safe and walkable, but relatively isolated. Students who prefer a quieter setting and a close campus community will appreciate Bucknell’s environment, while those seeking easy access to a city might find it limiting.
- Lehigh is in Bethlehem, part of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. The area is more urbanized, with restaurants, shops, and cultural events nearby. Lehigh is also within driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia, making internships and city trips more accessible.
Your preference for a rural, traditional college town versus a suburban-urban setting should influence your choice.
Admissions and Selectivity
Both universities are selective, but there are differences in their admissions profiles:
- Bucknell generally has an acceptance rate in the low 30% range, with middle 50% SAT scores around 1310–1460 and ACT scores of 30–33. The university values leadership, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated interest.
- Lehigh has a similar acceptance rate (in the low 30% range), but slightly higher average test scores: SAT middle 50% is about 1330–1480 and ACT 30–33. Lehigh is test-optional as of recent cycles, and also seeks students who are engaged and well-rounded.
Both schools are competitive, so strong academics, extracurriculars, and a compelling application are important for admission.
Cost, Financial Aid, and Value
As private institutions, both Bucknell and Lehigh have high sticker prices, with tuition and fees typically exceeding $60,000 per year (as of 2023–24). Total costs including room and board approach $80,000 annually at both universities. However, both offer significant need-based and merit-based financial aid.
- Bucknell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students and offers some merit scholarships.
- Lehigh also meets full demonstrated need and has a range of merit scholarships, especially for students in STEM fields and business.
Outcomes for graduates are strong at both institutions, with high rates of job placement and graduate school attendance. Lehigh’s proximity to major cities can provide an edge in internships, while Bucknell’s alumni network is particularly active in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Notable Pros and Cons: A Direct Comparison
- Bucknell Pros:
- Close-knit, residential campus community
- Strong liberal arts tradition with robust engineering and management programs
- Emphasis on undergraduate teaching and small class sizes
- Safe, scenic rural campus ideal for focused study
- Bucknell Cons:
- Limited access to urban amenities and internships
- Smaller student body and fewer graduate programs
- Social scene can feel insular to some
- Lehigh Pros:
- Strong engineering, business, and science programs
- Proximity to cities like New York and Philadelphia
- Larger, more diverse student body
- Vibrant research activity and more graduate programs
- Lehigh Cons:
- Greek life is highly influential (though this is changing)
- Hilly campus can be challenging for accessibility
- Some students report more competition and less intimacy in classes
How to Choose Between Bucknell and Lehigh
To decide which university is the better fit, consider the following factors:
- Academic interests: If you want a classic liberal arts experience, Bucknell may be best. For engineering or business, Lehigh is a top choice.
- Campus setting: Prefer a rural, close-knit community? Bucknell. Want urban access and a bigger city nearby? Lehigh.
- Social life: Bucknell’s is campus-centered and traditional; Lehigh’s is more influenced by Greek life and urban offerings.
- Career goals: Lehigh’s location may give you more immediate access to urban internships; Bucknell’s alumni network is strong in the Northeast.
- Class size and teaching style: Bucknell generally has smaller classes and a focus on undergraduate learning.
Visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and considering your priorities can help you make an informed decision.
Alternatives and Overlapping Schools
Students considering Bucknell and Lehigh often look at other selective private colleges in the region with similar characteristics. These include:
- Lafayette College (Easton, PA) – known for engineering and liberal arts; Patriot League member
- Villanova University (Villanova, PA) – strong in business, engineering, and liberal arts
- Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, PA) – liberal arts focus, smaller student body
- Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) – top-ranked for engineering, computer science, and business
- University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) – research university with strong STEM and liberal arts
Comparing these schools on academics, campus life, costs, and location can further clarify your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Bucknell or Lehigh better for engineering?
Both offer excellent engineering programs. Lehigh is generally considered to have a stronger national reputation in engineering, with more research opportunities and a larger faculty. Bucknell’s program is smaller, with a greater focus on undergraduate teaching and close faculty-student interaction. If you want a research-intensive experience, Lehigh may be preferable; for a more personal and teaching-focused approach, Bucknell is a good choice.
- How do Bucknell and Lehigh compare in terms of campus safety?
Bucknell’s rural location in Lewisburg is considered very safe, with low crime rates and a secure campus. Lehigh’s Bethlehem campus is also generally safe, but as an urban-adjacent campus, students should be aware of typical city safety precautions. Both universities have campus security and offer safety resources such as late-night transportation and emergency alert systems.
- Which school has a stronger alumni network?
Both Bucknell and Lehigh have active, supportive alumni networks, especially in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Lehigh’s alumni are particularly strong in engineering and business fields, while Bucknell’s network is known for its engagement and support among liberal arts, management, and engineering graduates. Both can provide valuable connections for internships and jobs.
- Are there notable differences in Greek life?
Greek life is significant on both campuses, but Lehigh’s Greek system has traditionally played a larger role in social life. Bucknell has a strong Greek presence as well, but campus activities and traditions outside of Greek life are robust. Both universities have taken steps to diversify social options beyond fraternities and sororities in recent years.
- What are the main differences in student body size and diversity?
Lehigh has a larger student body (about 5,500 undergraduates) compared to Bucknell (about 3,700). Lehigh also tends to have slightly more geographic and ethnic diversity, though both are working to increase representation. Class sizes are generally smaller at Bucknell.
Conclusion: Which University Is Right for You?
Choosing between Bucknell University and Lehigh University involves weighing your academic interests, desired campus environment, social preferences, and career goals. Bucknell is ideal for those seeking a personalized, liberal arts-focused experience in a rural setting, while Lehigh offers a more technical, research-oriented education with greater access to urban resources and opportunities. Both are excellent schools with strong outcomes—your best choice depends on your individual priorities, so take the time to visit, ask questions, and reflect on where you’ll thrive most.
See the main Bucknell University pros and cons.