Bridgewater College: 90.4% Acceptance Rate

90.4%Acceptance

$41,350Tuition

1,388Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,453Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Church of Brethren

About Bridgewater College

Bridgewater College builds its reputation on personal attention and community service through its Church of Brethren heritage. This liberal arts college enrolls 1,388 students in small-town Virginia, where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name. The school accepts 90% of applicants, welcoming students who score around 1125 on the SAT. Students here embrace the college's emphasis on service learning and ethical leadership rooted in Brethren values of peace and justice.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about affordability. While the sticker price hits $56,625, students typically pay just $20,173 after aid thanks to generous institutional grants averaging $34,142. Graduates earn a median of $53,453 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $26,000 manageable with monthly payments around $276. The math works: you get a personal liberal arts education without crushing debt.

Students should know that nearly half graduate within four years, though the overall six-year rate of 49% suggests some struggle to finish. The Eagles compete in 19 Division III sports with 573 total athletes, meaning athletics touch about 40% of campus life. Three-quarters of students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community feel.

Academics & Faculty

This liberal arts college operates on a foundation of close mentorship and personal attention. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide individualized guidance throughout their academic journey. The college offers strong programs in business, education, and the natural sciences, with many students pursuing pre-professional tracks in medicine and law. However, the 53.88% four-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees on time. The Church of Brethren affiliation emphasizes service learning and ethical leadership across all majors. Small class sizes foster discussion-based learning, but students must be self-motivated to succeed in this intimate academic environment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 71.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.4%
Retention Rate: 77.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,453
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$41,565
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$39,369
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,559
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$37,208
History.	Bachelor	$35,060
Sociology.	Bachelor	$32,467
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$31,042
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$30,771
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$29,685

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

The small town of Bridgewater sits in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, about two hours from Washington D.C. and Richmond. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as the four distinct seasons bring snowy winters and humid summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. With housing capacity for 1,538 students and total enrollment of 1,388, virtually all students can live on campus if they choose.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. This Church of Brethren-affiliated college takes its service mission seriously, weaving community engagement into campus culture. Students often spend weekends hiking nearby trails or participating in service projects. The Eagles compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 573 total athletes, meaning about 40% of students play varsity athletics. Greek life doesn't dominate social scenes here. Instead, the tight-knit community of 1,388 students builds relationships through residence halls, athletic teams, and the college's emphasis on personal growth through service to others.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,538 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1880

Campus Safety (2023)

13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	3	3
Rape	2	2
Dating Violence	1	1
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–42°F
July Avg: 63°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.0"
Annual Snowfall: 19.4"

Student Demographics

Bridgewater draws mainly Virginia students who value its Church of Brethren roots and close-knit community feel. With 73% in-state enrollment, the college has built strong regional ties over its 140-year history. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making education accessible. The balanced gender split of 51% men and 49% women fits its broad liberal arts mission. Two-thirds of students are white, though the college has grown more diverse with 12% Black and 8% Hispanic enrollment, creating a student body that mirrors rural Virginia demographics.

Men: 50.9%
Women: 49.1%
White: 66.6%
Black: 11.6%
Hispanic: 7.9%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 73.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.4%

Location

Bridgewater sits in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, about 120 miles southwest of Washington D.C. The town of roughly 6,000 residents centers around the college, creating a classic small college town atmosphere. Rolling hills and farmland surround the campus, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a scenic backdrop to the east. The valley's rural setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining easy access to larger cities like Harrisonburg (20 minutes away) and Richmond (2 hours southeast). With 73% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to this quintessential Virginia college experience. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Bridgewater College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bridgewater, Virginia 22812-1599

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,453
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,477
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bridgewater College?

Bridgewater College accepts 90.36% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1230 on the SAT. This Church of Brethren-affiliated college values personal attention over selectivity.

How much does Bridgewater College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,173 after financial aid, less than the $56,625 total cost. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, and those receiving institutional grants average $34,142. The college works to make its liberal arts education affordable for Virginia families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bridgewater College?

Bridgewater maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,388 total students. This small size allows for close mentoring relationships that the college emphasizes. The retention rate of 77.49% reflects students' connection to the tight-knit campus community.

What do graduates of Bridgewater College earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $53,453 ten years after graduation, with a 96.1% employment rate. The typical graduate carries $26,000 in debt with monthly payments of $276. The college's emphasis on community service and personal development prepares students for meaningful careers.

Where is Bridgewater College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in small-town Bridgewater, Virginia, with housing for up to 1,538 students. About 73% of students come from Virginia, creating a regional community feel. The Eagles compete in 19 Division III sports with 573 total athletes participating.

Does Bridgewater College have a religious affiliation?

Bridgewater College maintains its historic ties to the Church of Brethren, founded in 1880. The college emphasizes community service and peace values rooted in Brethren tradition. However, students of all backgrounds attend this liberal arts institution that focuses on personal growth and civic engagement.