Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Bucknell University
Bachelor's Degree
bucknell.eduAnalysis
Bucknell's engineering program appears to track right at the Pennsylvania median, with peer programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $80,500 against estimated debt of $26,500. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably in manageable territory—you're looking at total debt equal to about four months of gross pay, which is precisely where you want an engineering degree to land. The national benchmark of $77,700 confirms that electrical engineering programs consistently deliver strong early returns, and Pennsylvania's outcomes cluster tightly around these figures.
What's harder to gauge is Bucknell's specific value proposition. The university's 32% admission rate and 1389 average SAT suggest a selective institution, yet the estimated earnings here fall well short of what Carnegie Mellon ($139,300) or even Villanova ($90,300) graduates reportedly earn. Whether Bucknell's outcomes truly mirror the state median or whether they exceed it—given the school's selectivity—remains unknown due to the suppressed data. The 11% Pell grant rate indicates a relatively affluent student body, which could mean families have resources beyond federal loans to manage costs.
The fundamentals check out: electrical engineering is a field with proven demand, and the estimated debt load won't become a burden at typical starting salaries. Just recognize you're making this decision without knowing if Bucknell's graduates perform at, above, or below the Pennsylvania average that's standing in for actual outcomes.
Where Bucknell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,772 | $80,512* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $63,829 | $139,337* | $149,740 | $22,250* | 0.16 | |
| $64,701 | $90,302* | $86,457 | $27,000* | 0.30 | |
| $53,638 | $82,611* | — | $26,500* | 0.32 | |
| $60,663 | $81,904* | $91,677 | $29,986* | 0.37 | |
| $62,180 | $79,119* | $96,912 | $22,754* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710* | — | $24,989* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bucknell University, approximately 11% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.