Bridgewater State University
About Bridgewater State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bridgewater State University is a public university in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest public universities in the state and serves a diverse student body with programs in education, social work, aviation, and criminal justice.
Founded
1840
Location
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Students
9,286
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
87.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
53.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,808
Out-of-state: $17,948
Avg Net Price
$16,383
After financial aid
SAT Average
1180
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$57,466
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 17
Regular
Feb 15
Bridgewater State University accepts the majority of applicants at 87.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1180/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.1%
4-Year Grad
39%
6-Year Grad
62%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$11.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 39% graduation rate is below average, but 75.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,808
In-State
$17,948
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,247
Books & Supplies
$2,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,160
After Financial Aid
$16,383
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,007
Receive Grants
31.9%
Take Loans
75%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,160/yr for in-state students, including $15,247 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,383. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,948.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bridgewater State University fund their education.
While in School
31.9%
Get Grants
Free money
75%
Take Loans
Must repay
$57,864
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,286
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,286 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bridgewater State University.
Gender
57.3%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,829
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,457
Graduates
34.1%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
13.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 34.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,829
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bridgewater State University fields 13 varsity teams with 579 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
MASCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
579
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
346
Men
233
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bridgewater State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$57,466
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$36K
309 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$44K
145 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$46K
140 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$34K
135 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$38K
127 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$44K
124 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $57K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bridgewater State University
What is the acceptance rate at Bridgewater State University?▾
How much does Bridgewater State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bridgewater State University?▾
How much do Bridgewater State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.