Muhlenberg College vs. BC

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Muhlenberg College is larger than BC based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 1,448 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); Bridgewater College is in Bridgewater, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bridgewater College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Muhlenberg College 9:1; Bridgewater College 13:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. BC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg College or BC? 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 College than Muhlenberg College ($11,316 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 2% lower than at Bridgewater College ($14,548 vs. $14,850).
• Muhlenberg College is 290.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than BC (about $46,715 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $16,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 290.3% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Bridgewater College (about $46,715 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $16,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bridgewater College than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bridgewater College students is 11.1% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($47,288 vs. $42,545).

Muhlenberg College vs. BC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Muhlenberg College or BC? 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 BC and Muhlenberg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 140 points higher than at BC (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Bridgewater College 1020/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; BC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; BC May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BC students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• BC has a higher acceptance rate (91.7%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 10.1% at BC.

Muhlenberg College vs. BC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg College and BC? 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Bridgewater College's (59%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $20,600 more per year than BC graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than BC graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BC graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BC students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 77%)

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.