Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Bridgewater, Massachusetts |
| Online | bridgew.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Bridgewater State University, nestled in the historic town of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, is a public institution that traces its roots back to 1840 when it was founded as Bridgewater Normal School. Approximately 30 miles south of Boston, the university offers a traditional New England campus experience with a mix of classical and modern architectural styles and provides housing options for students on its suburban campus. With a moderately selective admissions process, Bridgewater State offers a diverse array of undergraduate programs, with notable emphasis on education, aviation, criminal justice, and business management. While the university offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, it also supports a variety of NCAA Division III athletic teams, known as the Bears, although it is not primarily distinguished by its athletic programs.
In the most recent statistical year 8,807 prospective students applied, and 7,725 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,570 enrolled in the school. 7,025 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,579 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $910 plus fees of $10,141. Bridgewater State is ranked 674 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Bridgewater State is rated within the lower 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Bridgewater State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#674 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#231 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#41 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#10 in Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts
#52 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1030/1210 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.21 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Massachusetts Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $10,141 |
| Room and Board | $14,162 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,100 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,313 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $10,141 |
| Room and Board | $14,162 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,100 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,453 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 17% |
| Business | 15% |
| Psychology | 12% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 10% |
| English and Literature | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Bridgewater State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Bridgewater State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=165024 IPEDS survey data for Bridgewater State University.
Current students may use the Bridgewater State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024