Bridgewater State vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Salem 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 Salem State University ($15,646 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 9.4% lower than at Salem State University ($15,247 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $530 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.8% higher at Salem State University than at Bridgewater State University (about $1,583 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Bridgewater State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 0% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($10,319 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bridgewater State University (1160) is 80 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Salem State University 990/1160.
• 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; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bridgewater State students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.21) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Bridgewater State (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Bridgewater State vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Salem 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).

• Bridgewater State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Bridgewater State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $590 lower median loan debt than Bridgewater State graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,590).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bridgewater State graduates ($248 vs. $254).
• More Bridgewater State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 63%)

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.