Bridgewater State University combines open admissions with above-average economic mobility outcomes. The university serves 30.3% Pell-eligible and 34.1% first-generation students while delivering earnings that exceed expectations, demonstrating effective support for diverse student populations seeking accessible pathways to career advancement.
Placing it around the national average for long-term investment value
Also achieving above-average status through controlled costs and reasonable debt levels
With a tier designation of well above average, reflecting the university's strong ability to convert educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
With a tier designation of well above average, reflecting the university's strong ability to convert educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisBridgewater State University delivers earnings outcomes that exceed expectations given its open admissions profile and student demographics. Graduates earn a median of $57,466 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 64th percentile nationally.
This represents $1,709 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students at comparable institutions, placing Bridgewater State in the 62.5th percentile for this value-added measure. Earnings range from $32,347 at the 25th percentile to $78,949 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines and individual outcomes.
Students seeking affordable access to higher education with strong support systems for first-generation college students. Well-suited for Massachusetts residents prioritizing manageable costs and diverse program options at a comprehensive public university that delivers outcomes above expectations for its student population.
Bridgewater State University admits 89.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 out of 10 students who apply receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, indicating minimal barriers to enrollment for students who meet basic admission requirements.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Bridgewater State is somewhat more accessible than typical public institutions of similar size and mission. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, making the application process less competitive and stressful than at highly selective institutions.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Bridgewater State University's published cost of attendance is $25,164 per year, including $17,529 in out-of-state tuition ($11,389 for Massachusetts residents), $14,586 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,970 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,194 through institutional and federal assistance programs.
This net price compares to a peer median of $14,093, meaning Bridgewater State costs $3,877 more than similar institutions. The university's net pricing structure reflects its public mission while maintaining accessibility for diverse student populations.
Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with lower-income students receiving substantially more support than higher-income families. The cost structure positions Bridgewater State as moderately priced within the Massachusetts public higher education system, though somewhat above typical regional public universities nationally.
Students should expect net costs that depend heavily on family income and financial aid eligibility, with particular attention to residency status for tuition purposes.
Computer Science.
50 graduates
Analytical Chemistry.
17 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
85 graduates
Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General.
43 graduates
Actuarial Science.
162 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Louisiana Tech University Similar quality tier (#376 ranked) | LA | 73% | $52,279 | #376 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Bridgewater State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/bridgewater-state-university/analysis.
Opportunity Builder: high access, solid outcomes
Bridgewater State University ranks #385 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 76.4th percentile. Located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, this medium-sized public university maintains open admissions with an 89.2% acceptance rate while serving a diverse student body.
Bridgewater State enrolls 30.3% Pell-eligible students and 34.1% first-generation students, placing it well above typical public institution levels for access measures. The university admits roughly 9 out of 10 applicants, making it highly accessible to Massachusetts students seeking affordable higher education.
Graduates earn $1,709 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 62.5th percentile nationally. Median earnings reach $57,466 ten years after enrollment, placing Bridgewater State in the 64th percentile for long-term outcomes.
This combination of high accessibility, above-average access to underserved populations, and earnings that exceed predictions positions Bridgewater State as an Opportunity Builder, where institutions provide educational pathways for diverse student backgrounds while delivering solid post-graduation results.
For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that academic preparation and program fit should be the primary considerations rather than concerns about admission competitiveness. Students should focus on whether Bridgewater State's academic offerings, campus environment, and post-graduation outcomes align with their educational and career objectives.
The open admissions approach reflects the university's mission to provide accessible higher education to Massachusetts residents and students seeking affordable pathways to degree completion. This selectivity profile makes Bridgewater State particularly suitable for students who may not have access to highly selective institutions but are seeking quality education with proven employment outcomes.
Bridgewater State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $46,673 six years after enrollment to $50,191 at eight years and $57,466 at ten years, representing 23.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on cohorts of 268 graduates at six years, 221 at eight years, and 216 at ten years, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $1,709 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Bridgewater State in the 62.5th percentile for earnings uplift.
This value-added performance indicates the university's effectiveness in translating educational opportunity into economic outcomes that exceed what would be predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics. Low-income graduates earn $46,300, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Earnings span from $32,347 at the 25th percentile to $78,949 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and individual career trajectories. Approximately 19.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Bridgewater State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #13 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, producing 195 graduates with median earnings of $47,965 and an exceptional value score of 91.4.
Corrections Administration ranks #20 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, graduating 175 students with median earnings of $52,806 and a value score of 90.1. Psychology represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 329 students annually with median earnings of $43,401, reflecting strong student demand in this field.
Actuarial Science ranks #38 nationally and #4 in Massachusetts, with 162 graduates earning $56,932. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #32 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, graduating 152 students with median earnings of $46,339.
The program portfolio demonstrates particular strengths in education, criminal justice, and business-related fields, with several programs achieving top state rankings while maintaining substantial enrollment sizes.
University Of Louisiana At Monroe Similar quality tier (#385 ranked) | LA | 75% | $46,769 | #385 | Compare |
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Similar quality tier (#374 ranked) | SC | 98% | $72,085 | #374 | Compare |
Oregon Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier (#373 ranked) | OR | 92% | $72,273 | #373 | Compare |
Kansas State University Similar quality tier (#372 ranked) | KS | 79% | $57,262 | #372 | Compare |
