At $20,173/yr net price, Bridgewater College graduates earn $53,453/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,453/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,173 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,692 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,453/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,453/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,410/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,132/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,102/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,317/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,465/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $25,781 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,559 | $26,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,467 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $31,042 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
49.4% of students at Bridgewater College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bridgewater College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $53,453 against a $20,173 annual net price, you face a concerning risk-reward equation compounded by the school's alarming 49% graduation rate.
The earnings data reveals a troubling pattern across programs. Management Information Systems leads at just $42,682 annually, while core programs like Business Administration peak at $38,559. These numbers fall well below what you need to comfortably service typical student debt loads, especially considering the regional job market in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley offers limited high-paying opportunities.
Your biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With only half of students completing their degrees, you face a coin-flip chance of finishing without credentials while still carrying debt. The 77% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition after their first year.
This school works financially only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that drives your actual costs well below the published net price. The 29% of students receiving aid suggests most families pay close to full freight, making the investment even less attractive.
Look elsewhere if you want strong career prospects or plan to borrow significantly for college. Bridgewater might work if you have guaranteed employment after graduation, receive major financial aid, or view college primarily as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. For most students seeking solid financial returns on their education investment, Virginia's public universities or stronger private colleges offer better value propositions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridgewater College worth the money?
Bridgewater College graduates earn a median of $53,453 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. With a net price of $20,173 annually and typical debt of $26,000, the return on investment is modest compared to other Virginia schools.
What are the best paying majors at Bridgewater College?
Management Information Systems leads at $42,682 annually, followed by Liberal Arts at $41,565. Most other programs, including Business Administration at $38,559, produce earnings below $40,000 within ten years of graduation.
How much student debt do Bridgewater College graduates have?
The median debt for Bridgewater College graduates is $26,000. Given that most majors lead to starting salaries under $42,000, this debt level represents a significant portion of early career income.
What is Bridgewater College's graduation rate?
Bridgewater College has a 49% graduation rate, meaning roughly half of students who start there complete their degree. This low completion rate adds financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning the degree needed for higher salaries.