Bridgewater State vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Dakota State University is larger than Bridgewater State based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 9,727 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Bridgewater State vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University ($15,646 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 33.3% lower than at Bridgewater State University ($10,176 vs. $15,247).
• Bridgewater State University is 27% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $2,509 more per year; $11,808.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.1% higher at Bridgewater State than at South Dakota State University (about $5,139 more per year; $17,948.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Bridgewater State University (94% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bridgewater State University students is 130.6% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($10,318 vs. $4,474).

Bridgewater State vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bridgewater State University (1160) is 10 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming Bridgewater State students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 25/30; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bridgewater State - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Bridgewater State (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Bridgewater State vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and South Dakota 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bridgewater State University graduates have a $526 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($24,590 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($254 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.