Bridgewater State University: 87.7% Acceptance Rate

87.7%Acceptance

$11,389Tuition

7,899Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$57,466Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University has built its reputation around serving working-class students from southeastern Massachusetts since 1840. The university enrolls 7,899 students on its large suburban campus and stands out for its strong teacher preparation and criminal justice programs. With an 87.71% acceptance rate, Bridgewater opens doors for students who might struggle to get into more selective schools.

Students pay an average net price of $17,970 after financial aid, making it one of the more affordable options in Massachusetts. Graduates earn a median of $57,466 ten years after graduation, which provides solid value given the typical debt load of $24,286. The employment rate of 96.8% shows that Bridgewater graduates find work, though the 54.60% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish than planned.

The student body reflects Massachusetts demographics, with 92.58% coming from in-state and 69.25% identifying as white. Women make up 57.75% of enrollment, typical for universities with strong education programs. The Bears compete in 22 Division III sports with no athletic scholarships, keeping the focus on academics. With 30.31% of students receiving Pell Grants, Bridgewater stays true to its mission of educating first-generation college students.

Academics & Faculty

Bridgewater State built its reputation as a teacher's college when it opened in 1840, and education remains one of its strongest programs today. The university also draws students to its well-regarded criminal justice program, which benefits from proximity to Boston-area law enforcement agencies. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be manageable rather than intimate, though some introductory courses can feel crowded. The 55% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work while attending school, often taking longer to complete degrees. As a full public university, Bridgewater offers solid programs across liberal arts and professional fields, serving primarily Massachusetts residents who want accessible higher education close to home.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.6%
Retention Rate: 76.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,466
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$68,858
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$61,177
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$60,623
English Language and Literature, General.	Master	$54,661
Social Work.	Master	$54,053
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$53,775
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$50,161
Psychology, General.	Master	$47,260
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$46,869
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$46,380

View all 81 programs →

Campus Life

Bridgewater State sits on a 270-acre campus in a quiet Massachusetts suburb, about 30 miles south of Boston. With housing for 3,301 students and total enrollment of 7,899, roughly 42% of students live on campus. The red-brick buildings and tree-lined walkways create a traditional college atmosphere where you'll definitely need a winter coat from November through March.

Most of the 92.58% in-state student body comes from working-class Massachusetts families. The campus has a commuter school feel during weekdays, with many students heading home on weekends. Those who stay find a close-knit community centered around the Campus Center and residence halls. The Bears compete in 22 Division III sports with 466 student-athletes, creating school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Students often drive to nearby Brockton for shopping or take the commuter rail into Boston for weekend adventures. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in popular programs like education and criminal justice where Bridgewater has built its reputation.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,301 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1840

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	8	7
Rape	7	5
Dating Violence	4	4
Fondling	5	3
Stalking	7	1
Aggravated Assault	2	2
Burglary	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–37°F
July Avg: 60°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.0"
Annual Snowfall: 34.3"

Student Demographics

Bridgewater State draws heavily from Massachusetts, with over 90% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the working-class communities of southeastern Massachusetts that the university has served since 1840. Women make up nearly 58% of enrollment, largely due to the school's strong reputation in education and social work programs. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university's role as an affordable pathway to higher education for first-generation college students and families with limited financial resources.

Men: 42.3%
Women: 57.8%
White: 69.3%
Black: 10.6%
Hispanic: 10.2%
Asian: 2.2%
In-State Students: 92.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.3%

Location

Bridgewater sits 30 miles south of Boston in southeastern Massachusetts. The university draws 92.58% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a regional institution serving local communities. The area combines suburban convenience with access to both urban opportunities and coastal New England. Students can reach Boston for internships and cultural activities while enjoying a more affordable college town atmosphere. The campus serves as an anchor for the surrounding community, with many graduates staying in the region to work in education and public service. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Bridgewater State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02325

Bridgewater State Normal School Massachusetts

Boyden Hall, Bridgewater State University

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $57,466
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,900
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,286

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bridgewater State University?

Bridgewater State accepts 87.71% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1120. The university welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds and focuses on serving working-class families in southeastern Massachusetts.

How much does Bridgewater State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $17,970, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,267 after aid. In-state tuition of $11,389 makes this one of the more affordable public universities in Massachusetts for local residents.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bridgewater State University?

Classes average 17 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to professors at this comprehensive university. Bridgewater State is particularly known for its strong teacher preparation and criminal justice programs that prepare students for public service careers.

What are the graduation outcomes at Bridgewater State University?

About 55% of students graduate within four years, with median earnings of $57,466 ten years after graduation. The 96.8% employment rate shows that Bridgewater State successfully prepares students for the workforce, particularly in education and law enforcement fields.

Where is Bridgewater State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Bridgewater, Massachusetts, housing 3,301 students in residence halls. With 22 varsity sports teams competing in Division III and 466 student athletes, the Bears create an active campus community despite being primarily a commuter school serving local students.

Does Bridgewater State University serve mainly in-state students?

Yes, 92.58% of students come from Massachusetts, reflecting the university's mission to serve local working-class communities. The student body is 57.75% women and includes significant diversity with 10.63% Black and 10.15% Hispanic students, making it an accessible option for first-generation college students.