Students at Bridgewater State University achieve reliable long-term financial success, with graduates earning more than typical outcomes at similar institutions while maintaining excellent loan repayment records.
The university delivers particularly strong value for students from diverse backgrounds, combining accessible admission with above-average career outcomes.
Bridgewater State University delivers consistent value as a mid-sized public institution serving Massachusetts students. While not ranking among the most selective universities, BSU focuses on providing accessible education that translates into solid long-term outcomes. The university serves a diverse student body, with about 30% receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students, yet still achieves above-average earnings outcomes for graduates.
What distinguishes Bridgewater State is its ability to help students achieve financial stability through practical, career-focused programs. Graduates earn a median of $57,466 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The university's approach emphasizes steady, reliable results rather than dramatic mobility, making it particularly valuable for students seeking predictable pathways to middle-class careers.
As a comprehensive public university in southeastern Massachusetts, BSU offers the accessibility of a regional institution with the academic breadth needed to serve diverse career interests. The combination of moderate selectivity, reasonable costs, and solid employment outcomes makes it an attractive option for Massachusetts families seeking dependable higher education value.
Bridgewater State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public institution serving diverse career interests. Psychology dominates enrollment with 329 graduates, though early-career earnings of $32,439 reflect the field's typical requirement for additional education or gradual salary progression. Agricultural Teacher Education, with 195 graduates earning $34,704, demonstrates BSU's strength in preparing specialized educators for Massachusetts schools and represents solid middle-class career preparation.
Computer Science stands out for financial outcomes, with 50 graduates earning approximately $60,623 early in their careers, nearly double the earnings of liberal arts fields. This premium reflects strong demand for technology skills in the Boston metropolitan area and demonstrates BSU's ability to prepare students for high-growth sectors. The contrast between program outcomes illustrates how career choice significantly impacts financial returns at the university.
The university's program mix balances practical, career-focused majors with traditional liberal arts disciplines, allowing students to pursue interests while understanding financial implications. Education and technology programs tend to offer the most predictable career pathways, while psychology and arts fields often serve as preparation for graduate study or careers with more varied earning trajectories. This diversity supports BSU's role as a comprehensive institution serving students with different academic and professional goals.
Bridgewater State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed typical expectations for similar institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $57,466, with the university performing above average nationally for earnings outcomes. Students also benefit from earnings that are about $1,700 higher than what similar students achieve at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Psychology represents the largest program with 329 graduates earning around $32,439 early in their careers, while Computer Science graduates, though fewer in number at 50 students, achieve substantially higher earnings of approximately $60,623. Agricultural Teacher Education, with 195 graduates earning about $34,704, reflects the university's strength in preparing educators for specialized roles. The contrast between these programs illustrates how career choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at BSU.
The university's program portfolio balances practical, career-focused majors with traditional liberal arts disciplines. Students in technology and education fields tend to see the strongest early-career earnings, while those in psychology and arts fields often pursue additional education or enter careers with more gradual salary progression. This diversity allows students to choose paths aligned with their interests while understanding the financial implications of different academic directions.
Bridgewater State University maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Massachusetts families. Low-income students pay approximately $11,267 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $16,464 per year. Even higher-income families face manageable expenses at roughly $22,091 annually, keeping the university within reach for most state residents seeking quality public higher education.
The university's financial aid approach helps students manage costs without excessive borrowing. Most graduates leave with about $24,286 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns well with typical starting salaries in the region. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,500, reflecting families' measured approach to educational financing. The combination of reasonable net prices and controlled debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most students.
What makes BSU particularly sustainable is the relationship between costs and outcomes. With graduates earning a median of $57,466 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably manage their debt obligations under standard repayment terms. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully transition into careers that support their educational investments, providing families confidence in the long-term financial viability of a BSU degree.
Bridgewater State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
