Bucknell University (BU)

At Bucknell, we value the journey just as much as the destination. That's why understanding where graduates go after Bucknell begins with understanding how they got here.

Students from across the country — and around the world — arrive at Bucknell ready to innovate, explore and solve problems they didn't create.

While here, they make scientific breakthroughs, embrace new ideas and work shoulder to shoulder with our impressive faculty. The setting makes a difference, too. Bucknell offers the resources of a large university but in an intimate, highly personalized environment where students are free to live, learn and grow.

As it turns out, a Bucknell education doesn't just prepare students for the real world. It is the real world.

With more than 200 clubs and programs, you'll find your place at Bucknell. Plunge into your interests with people who share your passions. Explore a new endeavor or reveal a talent you never knew you had. Or embrace your pioneering spirit and get funding to start your own group.

We offer the diverse extracurricular offerings of a large institution in the intimate setting only a smaller college can provide. The only question is, what do you want to explore?

Students at Bucknell work together in a wide variety of ways to study, improve the school, and advance their "collaborative living and learning environment." The collegiate atmosphere, described as "extremely supportive and smart, but not overly competitive," motivates students-"I feel compelled by my peers to work hard"-and the many study groups help to keep "an emphasis on teamwork."

Students also "prioritize health," which means many can be found together on the field, from gym workouts to Division I sports. "Many of my peers are athletes," notes a student; a few have even gone on to become Olympians. A "work hard, play hard" mantra also cultivates a "strong community bond" among students that explains why diversity and equity are so important to students. One student has already taken notice: "I feel...the student body became more diverse...from the time I was a freshman to a senior." Regardless of similarities and differences, Bucknellians are confident about what unites them, declaring, "[We] all share the same goal: to learn."

The vibrant campus life at Bucknell "has the perfect balance of challenging academics and a plethora of fun activities [with which] to let off steam." The University hosts weekly activities; some foster arts and entertainment with concerts and gallery shows; others advance education and careers with guest speakers who are often alumni, a network that "genuinely wants to help out the community that helped them." Students embrace the cooperative spirit with their "highly involved" leadership and outreach. Many are "committed to making change," with "amazing research opportunities" starting their first year, like Bucknell's chapter of "e-NABLE," where students rev up MakerSpace's 3-D printer to fabricate upper limb prosthetics for those in need, and in turn see "a great chance to support and get to know the local community."

On the weekend, students kick back with a movie, break a sweat on a hike, or venture off the quad to "let loose" outside of campus. Many partake in Super Saturday, "an all-day party hosted by the fraternities where everyone is welcome." Bucknellians can "easily walk downtown" for the restaurant and bar scene or go kayaking and biking. Whatever the interest, group camaraderie abounds: "There is always someone who will happily join you."

“Bucknell University allows students, no matter what their academic or social preferences are, to find opportunities to really explore their interests.” This, coupled with “a huge focus on service learning and community service, which is phenomenal,” leaves students impressed by the career services and “networking opportunities” available, especially the alumni dedication. The 56,000 global alumni are valuable assets to future Bucknellians and remain involved with the school and students long after graduation. Also, the Center for Career Advancement is amazing, as are the study abroad programs, internships, and undergrad research opportunities. Students receive guidance and opportunities through the center’s career counselors and assessment tests and get connected to internships, externships, and unique micro-internships that let them explore different career paths as they launch their careers. According to the website PayScale.com, the median starting salary for graduates is $79,300, with a mid-career median of $151,700.