Skip to main content

Bucknell University

Apply for first-year
Bucknell University campus
At Bucknell, you’re not just one thing. You’re everything. That’s why we offer more majors and minors than most liberal arts universities. Discover the major that best fits you, go for a double-major or create a new major that transcends traditional boundaries. Don’t wait until graduation to begin changing the world. You’ll start the day you arrive on our stunning campus. Design a computer program that deciphers ancient text. Invent food packaging that’s better for the planet. Write a play from scratch and perform it on stage. And do it all with the help of supportive professors who give you access to their state-of-the-art spaces from day one.
Accepts first-year applicationsMid-AtlanticPrivateRuralMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Virtual Tour

Academic programs

  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

First-year

You must apply to one of our three colleges: The College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering or the Freeman College of Management. All three colleges require the same application.

Deadlines

Early Decision I: Nov. 15

Early Decision II & Regular Decision: Jan. 15

Application Fee

Bucknell's application fee is $50. This nonrefundable fee is paid electronically through the Common Application website.

When you submit your application to Bucknell we encourage each applicant to express their unique personality and diverse array of life experiences through the included essays. We don't require SAT or ACT scores, though you're welcome to submit them if you choose.

Transfer

Application Deadlines

 

Semester enrollingApplication deadlineDecisions available
FallMarch 15May 1
SpringNov. 1Dec. 15


Pay the nonrefundable $50 application fee electronically when you apply — or request a fee waiver through the application website. 

Note: If you have previously applied to Bucknell or if the fee presents a hardship, this fee may be waived. Submit your request to transfer@bucknell.edu.

For further transfer application requirements, please check the webpage.

Image gallery

View gallery

Additional information

Scholarship Programs

Bucknell University's merit awarding process is comprehensive, holistic and extremely competitive. We're looking for students who have extraordinary academic records and show promise that their talents will enrich our highly personal, transformative learning environment. 

Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and are only available for incoming first-year students. They are renewable for a maximum of eight fall/spring semesters as long as students continue to meet the requirements of each program. We are not able to award multiple academic scholarships to students. Most funding is awarded to students who have demonstrated institutional need as determined by Bucknell's Office of Financial Aid, but a limited amount will also be awarded to those who do not have financial need or do not apply for aid.

To be considered for a merit scholarships, please read the description(s) on the web to ensure you meet the criteria prior to applying. Bucknell's merit scholarship online application is available on the scholarship page and students can apply for as many as they'd like using the singular online application.
 

Bucknell Scholarship Deadlines

Scholarship applications open each fall. Your scholarship application deadline is dependent on your application round:

  • Early Decision I: Nov. 15
  • Early Decision II: Jan. 15
  • Regular Decision: Jan. 15

Visit us

The best way to get to know Bucknell is to see it for yourself. By scheduling a visit, joining us for an open house or taking a virtual tour, you'll explore this place we call home. You'll see where students chase their dreams, make boundary-breaking discoveries and form life-changing memories. Words can't adequately describe our postcard-perfect campus or state-of-the-art facilities. Experiencing is believing. To plan your visit to our stunning campus in the heart of central Pennsylvania, visit bucknell.edu/visit.

"You can directly contribute to the field at an undergraduate level, which is crazy. I just never thought I would have that type of experience."