Degree Dividend
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Bucknell University vs Holy Family University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lewisburg PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Philadelphia PA

The verdict

Bucknell University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $163,064 in 3.6 years versus 3.8 years at Holy Family University, on median earnings of $93,807 vs $62,235 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBucknell UniversityHoly Family University
Net price / yr$40,766$13,143
Total net cost$163,064$52,572
Median earnings, 10 yrs$93,807$62,235
Median debt$27,000$25,125
Payback3.6 yrs3.8 yrs
20-year net return$745,876$224,928

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Bucknell University or Holy Family University?

Holy Family University, at $13,143 a year after aid versus $40,766 — a gap of $27,623 a year, or $110,492 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Bucknell University or Holy Family University graduates earn more?

Bucknell University graduates report a median $93,807 ten years after entry, $31,572 more than the $62,235 at Holy Family University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Bucknell University or Holy Family University?

Holy Family University: its completers carry a median $25,125 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Bucknell University, a difference of $1,875. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Bucknell University, against 61% at Holy Family University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Bucknell University vs Holy Family University: frequently asked questions

Is Bucknell University or Holy Family University a better value?
Bucknell University. It clears its $163,064 net cost in about 3.6 years versus 3.8 years at Holy Family University, on median earnings of $93,807 vs $62,235 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Bucknell University or Holy Family University?
Holy Family University: $13,143/yr net price after aid versus $40,766/yr at Bucknell University — a difference of $27,623 a year, or about $110,492 over four years.
Do Bucknell University or Holy Family University graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates earn a median $93,807 ten years after entry, versus $62,235 at Holy Family University — a $31,572 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.