My son is at Bucknell, but not in the management school. Are you thinking of participating in Greek life? Bucknell has a very, very strong alumni network, and my sense is that some of that is reinforced by connections through the fraternities and sororities. Unfortunately, I can’t really compare to Richmond because I don’t know it personally. I can say that my son absolutely loves it, but he is very involved there.
IMO, Richmond> Bucknell as other posters mention Bucknell is very rural. Richmond has much larger endowment and better weather.
@par72 Yeah I have noticed that, but it seems like it has everything that it needs near or on-campus. Obviously, Richmond is the same way, but the city itself is not super accessible; you cannot just walk there. Yes, you can get there pretty easily with the bus system and that is the difference between Bucknell and Richmond, but it’s not like Richmond goes right into the city. However, as I said, it is definitely something I have noticed. Also, the weather at Richmond is much better. Although it is only a small factor in my decision, it is underrated and would be nice to go someplace warmer. Thanks for your opinion!
@amarylandmom I don’t know if I want to necessarily join a fraternity, but I would want to know those who are active as I would participate in their events/ parties and such. I have heard basically nothing but good things about the school.
My main question with both programs is the recruiting at each school. At the end of the day, the most important factor is finding a job. You guys have told me multiple times that Bucknell has a large alumni network which is great. However, that does not answer my question. Which of the two gets more opportunities in the business world? Also, if given the option, would a company choose a Bucknell or Richmond grad with the same credentials?
I really think it is probably six of one, half dozen of the other Bucknell vs. U of Richmond. I am under the impression that these two are pretty much peer universities. No one is going to be able to tell you precisely whether a company would choose a Bucknell or a Richmond grad with the “same credentials.” Will depend on the employer and the individual doing the interviewing. You can be successful at either, and your success will be directly related to what you do to maximize the opportunities you have at either college. Just go with whichever environment you like better. And if it is this difficult to make a choice, perhaps you should not apply to either ED since you don’t have a clear favorite.
@momofzag Thank you for the wonderful explanation. It is good to know at either school we will have about the same time of recruiting, allowing me to choose the school that has a better fit.
Also, Richmond’s network is strongest in the DC area so think f whether you’d rather work in the Maryland/VA area or in the NY/Boston area.
At the end of the day, the name that matters is yours- what did YOU do with your 4 years?
I have to agree with previous posters about the network for each school - our experience is that Bucknell has a stronger network and alumni involvement in NYC/Boston/Philly area. Our son just finished junior year in Bucknell’s School of Management and has loved every minute of it. Strong academics, close relationships with professors, lots of clubs, really enjoying fraternity life too. This summer he will be working and living in NYC —both this summer and last he secured paid internships through Bucknell’s CDC and the alumni network. Many of his Bucknell friends are also interning for the summer in NYC/Metro NY/Boston. I have to say the Bucknell alums tend to “take care of their own” 