Brandeis University vs. Bridgewater State

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bridgewater State University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Bridgewater State University is in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Bridgewater State University 17:1.

Brandeis University vs. Bridgewater State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Bridgewater State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bridgewater State University than Brandeis University ($15,646 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 23.6% lower than at Brandeis University ($15,247 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 476.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $56,272 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 279.3% higher at Brandeis University than at Bridgewater State University (about $50,132 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bridgewater State University than at Brandeis University (86% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 315.2% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($42,841 vs. $10,318).

Brandeis University vs. Bridgewater State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Bridgewater State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bridgewater State and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 300 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at Bridgewater State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Bridgewater State University 1060/1263.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Bridgewater State University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Bridgewater State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 19.4% at Bridgewater State.

Brandeis University vs. Bridgewater State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Bridgewater State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bridgewater State University graduates have a $2,410 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($24,590 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.