Bridgewater State University
#1 Best Education Colleges in Massachusetts- Graduation Rate
- 54% C
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $57,466 B+
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $16,383 C
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 88% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 22.8× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $22.8 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best Education Colleges in Massachusetts.
Every $1 spent returns $22.8 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,429,120.
What The Data Says
-
A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
-
Earnings 41% above the national college median.
-
Every $1 invested returns $22.8 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why Bridgewater State University Matters
Bridgewater State University is a public university in Bridgewater, MA and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 7,829
- Setting
- Suburban
- Primary Strengths
- Education, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Criminal Justice
Why students choose Bridgewater State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 88% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1060–1263. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $16,383 a year after grants and scholarships — 4% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $57,466 ten years after enrolling — 41% above the typical college, against $24,286 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.3% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 58% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.77 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 88%, Bridgewater State University is an inviting option for many students looking to pursue degrees in fields like Education, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Health Professions, and Criminal Justice. The university’s focus on these practical areas reflects a commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges. For those seeking a supportive environment where they can find their academic fit, Bridgewater stands out as a friendly, accessible choice.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $57,466 within ten years, which provides a solid foundation for starting their careers. This aligns well with the affordable net price of $16,383 after aid, making it a reasonable investment for many families. While the graduation rate sits at 54%, the potential for upward mobility exists, especially for those who actively engage with the university’s resources and community.
Looking at financial realities, students carry a median debt of $24,286 upon graduation. This figure is manageable given the earnings potential, especially for those who choose majors that align with workforce demand. The 32% of students receiving Pell Grants indicates a commitment to accessibility and support for low-income students. In this environment, individuals who thrive often embrace the opportunities for involvement and are proactive about their education and career paths.
Rankings
- #1 Best Education Colleges in Massachusetts
- #4 Best Communications Colleges in Massachusetts
- #6 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Massachusetts
- #6 Best MBA Programs in Massachusetts
- #12 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts
- #14 Best Business Colleges in Massachusetts
- #15 Best Psychology Colleges in Massachusetts
- #17 Best Bachelor's Programs in Massachusetts
Can I Get In?
How selective Bridgewater State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Bridgewater State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 88%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,180. The graduation rate is roughly 54%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Retention Rate
- 75%
- SAT Average
- 1180
- ACT Midpoint
- 24
- SAT Range
- 1060–1263
- ACT Range
- 25–30
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $11,130
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.52
- First-Gen Students
- 34%
- Applicants
- 8,807
- Admitted
- 7,725
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Bridgewater State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Bridgewater State University is $17,948, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,383. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $10,007 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,286 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $11,808
- Out-of-State
- $17,948
- Avg Net Price
- $16,383
- Median Debt
- $24,286
- Pell Grant Rate
- 32%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 75%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $10,007
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $11,579
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $13,559
- Family Income $110K+
- $21,176
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Bridgewater State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Bridgewater State University earn a median of $57,466, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $46,673
- 8 Years
- $50,191
- 10 Years
- $57,466
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.42x
- Earning > $25K
- 70%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (539)
- 36%
- 100% (539)
- 36%
- 100% (539)
- 36%
- 100% (539)
- 36%
How Bridgewater Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Bridgewater State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Bridgewater State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $16,383/year ($65,532 total). Graduates earn $57,466 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,494,652 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,429,120 (22.8× your investment). The median debt is $24,286, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 54% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $65,532
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,494,652
- Net Return
- $1,429,120
- ROI Multiple
- 22.8×
- Cost Per Year
- $16,383
- Median Debt
- $24,286
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Bridgewater State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Bridgewater State University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.32%, well above the typical college. About 4.8% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 27.8% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $93,300, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.32%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 27.8%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 4.8%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $93,300
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $2,990,666
- Investment Income
- $74,082
Top Programs
The fields Bridgewater State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
- Education 16%
- Business & Marketing 16%
- Psychology 13%
- Criminal Justice 7%
- Health Professions 7%
- Communications 6%
- Social Sciences 5%
- Biology & Biomedical 3%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Bridgewater State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Marketing Manager$156,580 · 8% growthAdaptable 64
- CAdvertising Manager$138,730 · 6% growthAdaptable 64
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- B-Optometrist$131,860 · 9% growthResilient 96
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Bridgewater State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 88%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,180. The graduation rate is roughly 54%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Bridgewater State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Bridgewater State University is $17,948, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,383. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $10,007 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,286 in federal student loans.
Is Bridgewater State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Bridgewater State University earn a median of $57,466, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Bridgewater State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Bridgewater State University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.32%, well above the typical college. About 4.8% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 27.8% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $93,300, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Bridgewater State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Bridgewater State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.77, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 6% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Bridgewater State University.
- University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh, WI · Close peer51% grad $55,548 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie, WI · Close peer54% grad $58,084 earn 88% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg, WA · Close peer52% grad $61,580 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain, CT · Close peer49% grad $58,562 earn 73% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville, IL · Close peer56% grad $56,346 earn 98% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Stockton UniversityGalloway, NJ · Close peer70% grad $57,602 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Bridgewater State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Bridgewater State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.77, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 6% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note