University of Southern Maine vs. Bridgewater State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bridgewater State University is larger than University of Southern Maine based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 7,604 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Bridgewater State University is in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; Bridgewater State University 17:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Bridgewater State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine or Bridgewater State? 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 University of Southern Maine than Bridgewater State ($14,028 vs. $15,646).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 19.5% lower than at Bridgewater State University ($12,280 vs. $15,247).
• Bridgewater State University is 4.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $524 more per year; $11,808.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at University of Southern Maine than at Bridgewater State University (about $9,996 more per year; $27,944.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Maine than at Bridgewater State University (95% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern Maine students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($11,188 vs. $10,318).

University of Southern Maine vs. Bridgewater State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine or Bridgewater State? 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 Bridgewater State and University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bridgewater State University (1160) is 40 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming Bridgewater State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at University of Southern Maine).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; Bridgewater State University 1060/1263.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28; Bridgewater State University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Bridgewater State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 19.4% at Bridgewater State.

University of Southern Maine vs. Bridgewater State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine and Bridgewater State? 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 University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Bridgewater State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $2,090 lower median loan debt than Bridgewater State graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,590).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bridgewater State graduates ($232 vs. $254).
• More University of Southern Maine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.