Bridgewater State vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University ($15,646 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 1.4% lower than at Alvernia University ($15,247 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 281.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $33,192 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.7% higher at Alvernia University than at Bridgewater State University (about $27,052 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Bridgewater State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 181.4% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($29,034 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bridgewater State or Alvernia University? 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 Alvernia University and Bridgewater State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 30 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bridgewater State - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Bridgewater State vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Alvernia University? 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).

• Alvernia University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Bridgewater State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bridgewater State University graduates have a $2,410 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($24,590 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Bridgewater State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 61%)

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.