Bridgewater State vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Widener University 11:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Widener 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 Widener University ($15,646 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 7.8% lower than at Widener University ($15,247 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 372% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $43,922 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 210.5% higher at Widener University than at Bridgewater State University (about $37,782 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Bridgewater State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 323.6% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($43,706 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 30 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Widener University 1080/1290.
• 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; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Bridgewater State vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Widener 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).

• Widener University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 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 Widener University graduates ($24,590 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($254 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.