Bridgewater State vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Clark University 8:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Clark 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 Clark University ($15,646 vs. $33,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 18% lower than at Bridgewater State University ($12,500 vs. $15,247).
• Clark University is 398.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $47,059 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 228% higher at Clark University than at Bridgewater State University (about $40,919 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Bridgewater State University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 236% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($34,667 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 210 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Bridgewater State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 25/30; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bridgewater State - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clark University students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

Bridgewater State vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Clark 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).

• Clark University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Clark University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 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 Clark University graduates ($24,590 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Clark 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.