Bridgewater State vs. Montclair State University

Comparable Facts

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

Montclair State University is larger than Bridgewater State based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 9,727 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Montclair State University is in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Montclair State University 18:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Montclair State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Montclair State 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 Montclair State University ($15,646 vs. $17,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 8.9% lower than at Montclair State University ($15,247 vs. $16,730).
• Montclair State University is 34.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $4,104 more per year; $15,912.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45% higher at Montclair State University than at Bridgewater State University (about $8,074 more per year; $26,022.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bridgewater State University than at Montclair State University (86% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montclair State University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($12,341 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Montclair State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bridgewater State University (1160) is 100 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Montclair State University 910/1210.
• 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; Montclair State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Montclair State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Montclair State University has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than Bridgewater State (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 18.2% at Montclair State University.

Bridgewater State vs. Montclair State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Montclair State 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).

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $1,591 lower median loan debt than Bridgewater State graduates ($22,999 vs. $24,590).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bridgewater State graduates ($237 vs. $254).
• More Montclair State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.