At $17,970/yr net price, Bridgewater State University graduates earn $57,466/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,466/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,970 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,466/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,466/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,286 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,267/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,771/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,464/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,161/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,091/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,858 | $17,089 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,177 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,623 | $24,586 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $54,661 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $54,053 | $40,772 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $53,775 | $20,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $50,161 | $20,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,869 | $23,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $46,380 | $30,750 |
The Risk Factor
54.6% of students at Bridgewater State University 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 State University delivers solid middle-class returns at a reasonable price, though your program choice matters significantly. The $17,970 annual net price positions this public university as an affordable option that typically pays for itself within a decade of graduation.
Accounting majors see the strongest financial outcomes, earning nearly $69,000 annually with relatively low debt loads around $17,000. Business administration and computer science also perform well, both breaking $60,000 in median earnings. These programs align well with the greater Boston job market, where BSU graduates can access finance, tech, and corporate roles without the premium costs of Boston-area private schools.
Social work presents a concerning financial picture despite the program's career relevance. Graduates carry over $40,000 in debt while earning just $54,000 annually, creating a debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years. English majors earn similar amounts but typically graduate with less debt.
The 54% graduation rate signals retention challenges that could derail your investment entirely. Nearly half of students who start at BSU never finish, making program selection and academic preparation critical to avoiding wasted tuition dollars.
You'll find BSU most financially sensible if you're a Massachusetts resident targeting business, accounting, or computer science careers in the Boston metro area. The low net price makes it accessible even without significant merit aid, though only 30% of students receive financial assistance. Avoid BSU if you're considering social work or if you're uncertain about completing your degree, as the combination of modest earnings and completion risks could leave you financially worse off than when you started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridgewater State University worth the cost compared to other Massachusetts schools?
Bridgewater State offers reasonable value with a net price of $17,970 and 10-year earnings of $57,466, making it more affordable than many Massachusetts colleges. However, the 55% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degree, which significantly hurts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Bridgewater State University?
Accounting leads at $68,858 in 10-year earnings, followed by business administration at $61,177 and computer science at $60,623. English and social work majors earn around $54,000, which barely justifies the cost given typical debt levels.
How much debt do Bridgewater State University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,286, which is manageable for higher-paying majors like accounting or business. Students in lower-paying fields like English or social work may struggle to pay this back quickly.
Should I attend Bridgewater State University if I'm not sure about my major?
With an 87% acceptance rate and 55% graduation rate, many students struggle to complete their degree at Bridgewater State. If you're undecided on major, the low graduation rate suggests this may not be the best environment for exploring options.