Bucknell University vs University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: which has better ROI?
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,400 in 3.5 years versus 3.6 years at Bucknell University, on median earnings of $66,125 vs $93,807 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bucknell University | University of Pittsburgh-Bradford |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,766 | $15,350 |
| Total net cost | $163,064 | $61,400 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $93,807 | $66,125 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 3.6 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $745,876 | $293,900 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bucknell University or University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, at $15,350 a year after aid versus $40,766 — a gap of $25,416 a year, or $101,664 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 University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates earn more?
Bucknell University graduates report a median $93,807 ten years after entry, $27,682 more than the $66,125 at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. 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 University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Bucknell University, a difference of $2,750. 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 48% at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. 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.