Bridgewater State vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Simmons University 9:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Simmons 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 Simmons University ($15,646 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 13.5% lower than at Simmons University ($15,247 vs. $17,618).
• Simmons University is 297% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $35,066 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.2% higher at Simmons University than at Bridgewater State University (about $28,926 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Bridgewater State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 240.4% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($35,123 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simmons University (1310) is 150 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Incoming Simmons University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Bridgewater State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 25/30; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bridgewater State - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Bridgewater State vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Simmons 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).

• Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bridgewater State University graduates have a $1,410 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($24,590 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($254 vs. $268).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.