Bucknell Transfer Acceptance Rate
The Bucknell University transfer acceptance rate was 41.2% for Fall 2026 — 61 admits from 148 applicants, per Bucknell’s own transfer admission figures. Bucknell admits transfers for fall and spring, and 34 enrolled for Fall 2026.
Bucknell University transfer acceptance rate, at a glance
Bucknell transfer figures
Bucknell publishes its own transfer admission figures by term. For Fall 2026 it reports 148 applicants, 61 admits (41.2%) and 34 enrolled, and its Common Data Set 2025-26 matches the Fall 2025 counts (146 applicants, 58 admits). The Bucknell transfer acceptance rate has ranged from about 11% to 41% by term since Fall 2023.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 148 | 61 | 41.2% | Bucknell Admissions |
| Spring 2026 | 41 | 11 | 26.8% | Bucknell Admissions |
| Fall 2025 | 146 | 58 | 39.7% | Bucknell Admissions |
| Spring 2025 | 48 | 14 | 29.2% | Bucknell Admissions |
| Fall 2024 | 233 | 48 | 20.6% | Bucknell Admissions |
| Spring 2024 | 63 | 7 | 11.1% | Bucknell Admissions |
| Fall 2023 | 223 | 59 | 26.5% | Bucknell Admissions |
What GPA do you need for Bucknell?
Bucknell is unusually specific: “A GPA of at least 3.0 is typically expected; the average GPA of accepted transfer students is 3.4.” Its Common Data Set lists a 2.5 minimum, but a Bucknell transfer GPA near 3.0 or below sits well under the typical admit.
There is no minimum number of credits required to apply. Bucknell reviews academic records holistically, asks for course descriptions and syllabi plus a College Coursework in Progress form, and sends a preliminary credit summary shortly after you apply.
What a competitive Bucknell transfer applicant looks like
Competitive Bucknell transfer admits share a tight profile. Missing any one of these is where most rejections cluster.
Bucknell University transfer requirements
Application Essays
Apply with the Coalition Application (powered by Scoir) and pay the $50 fee or request a waiver. Use the essay to explain why Bucknell — and, if you are aiming at a specific program, why that program.
Letters of Recommendation
One academic recommendation from a college professor who has taught you, preferably in your area of interest, plus a Coalition Transfer Report from an advisor or school official.
Credits
No minimum credits to apply. Send course descriptions, syllabi and the College Coursework in Progress form; Bucknell accepts up to 20 course credits (80 semester hours).
Test Scores
SAT and ACT scores are optional for transfer applicants.
How Bucknell transfer credits work
Bucknell evaluates every course individually and sends a preliminary credit summary shortly after you apply. It does not grant two years of blanket credit for an associate degree, and its transfer page lists no separate process for moving into engineering — the same course-by-course review applies.
Interested in transferring to Bucknell?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most Bucknell transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why Bucknell specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to Bucknell.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review ?
How Bucknell compares to peers
If Bucknell is your target, these Pennsylvania and New York liberal arts schools make strong parallel applications. Union admitted transfers at a rate closer to Bucknell’s, while Lafayette and Colgate are more selective.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bucknell University accept transfer students?
Yes. Bucknell admits transfers for fall and spring — 34 new transfers enrolled for Fall 2026 and 8 for Spring 2026, per Bucknell’s admission figures. There is no minimum number of credits required to apply.
When do Bucknell transfer decisions come out?
Fall applicants receive decisions in mid-May; spring applicants receive decisions in early December.
How many transfer students does Bucknell University accept?
For Fall 2026, Bucknell admitted 61 of 148 transfer applicants and 34 enrolled. For Spring 2026, it admitted 11 of 41 and 8 enrolled.
What is the Bucknell University transfer acceptance rate?
The Bucknell University transfer acceptance rate was 41.2% for Fall 2026 (61 admits from 148 applicants). Rates swing by term: Spring 2026 was 26.8%, and Fall 2024 was 20.6%.
When is the Bucknell University transfer application due?
The Bucknell transfer deadline is March 15 for fall entry and November 1 for spring entry. The application fee is $50, or you can request a waiver.
Can I apply if I took a gap year or break?
Yes. Bucknell sets no minimum number of credits, and a break isn’t listed as a disqualifier. Send transcripts and course descriptions for all college work, and expect each course to be evaluated individually.
What if I already have a degree?
You can apply for a second bachelor’s degree in a different field. Second-degree students complete at least 16 course credits in residence and must meet any requirements for the new degree not covered by earlier courses.
Where this data comes from
- Bucknell Admissions — Information for Transfer Applicants — transfer admit figures by term, deadlines, credit policy (primary source)
- Bucknell — Common Data Set 2025-26 — Section D transfer data, first-year rate, tuition
- Coalition for College — application platform
Want a real shot at Bucknell?
Bucknell admitted 61 of 148 transfer applicants for Fall 2026 — a Bucknell transfer acceptance rate of 41.2%. Our consultants will look at your transcript, your reasons for transferring, and your fit with Bucknell.