Bridgewater State vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Suffolk 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 Suffolk University ($15,646 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 28.5% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,247 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 302.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $35,742 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 164.9% higher at Suffolk University than at Bridgewater State University (about $29,602 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Bridgewater State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 205.9% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($31,558 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 40 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Incoming Bridgewater State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 25/30; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bridgewater State - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Bridgewater State vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Suffolk 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).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 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 Suffolk University graduates ($24,590 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.