Bridgewater State vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bridgewater State University is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than Bridgewater State ($12,778 vs. $15,646).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 6.2% lower than at Bridgewater State University ($14,307 vs. $15,247).
• Bridgewater State University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $22 more per year; $11,808.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.5% higher at Bridgewater State than at Worcester State University (about $82 more per year; $17,948.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bridgewater State University than at Worcester State University (86% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bridgewater State University students is 9% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($10,318 vs. $9,464).

Bridgewater State vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bridgewater State University (1160) is 10 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• 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; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Worcester State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Bridgewater State (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Bridgewater State vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Worcester 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $4,590 lower median loan debt than Bridgewater State graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,590).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bridgewater State graduates ($206 vs. $254).
• More Worcester State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.