Bucknell University is a private liberal arts university in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, distinguished by offering accredited engineering programs within a liberal arts setting. The university sits in the scenic Susquehanna Valley and maintains a strong sense of community through its active Greek life and small class sizes. Bucknell is known for producing well-rounded graduates who combine technical skills with broad intellectual foundations.
Mascot: Bison
Notable Alumni
Christy Mathewson (Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher)•Philip Roth (Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist)•Ken Langone (co-founder of Home Depot)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Bucknell is the quintessential 'work hard, play hard' small school — Greek life claims about 38% of eligible students and is a major social force in rural Lewisburg. Academics are genuinely rigorous (it's a Little Ivy), but come Friday the library empties fast. If you're not into Greek culture, you'll need to be proactive about building your own social circle.
Georgian brick buildings set along the banks of the Susquehanna River in the Appalachian foothills create a classic, picturesque liberal arts campus. Meticulously maintained grounds with mature trees and mountain views elevate it above typical small colleges.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Very low incidence of serious crime. Public Safety works closely with the tight-knit Lewisburg community. Most reported incidents are disciplinary actions.
Lewisburg is a small, quiet rural town in central Pennsylvania with very low crime rates and a strong sense of community.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays and select Saturdays year-round; Open Houses in fall
Duration: 75 minutes (student-led campus tour plus info session)
Includes preview session and student-led tour. Engineering-specific facility tours also available. Participants in select in-person visits receive an application fee waiver.
Book a TourSelf-guided walking and driving tour options are available year-round. Maps can be picked up at the admissions office in Freas Hall.
Tour ResourcesVisit during the academic year (Sep-May) when classes are in session to experience the 'Bucknell Bubble' community vibe. Fall Open Houses in September and October are the most immersive. Avoid winter break (mid-Dec to mid-Jan) and summer when campus is quiet.
Free visitor parking on Pascucci Drive near Freas Hall (admissions). Enter campus via Moore Avenue off Route 15 and bear right onto Dent Drive. Visitor permits are free and valid up to 3 days. Nearest airports: Williamsport Regional (SBP, 35 min) or Harrisburg International (MDT, 75 min). No public transit; a car is essential.
Location
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