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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,160 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,948 |
| Room and Board | $15,247 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,777 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,383 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,007 |
| $30–48k | $11,579 |
| $48–75k | $13,559 |
| $75–110k | $16,904 |
| $110k+ | $21,176 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Bridgewater State University graduates carry a median debt of $24,286, compared to a peer median of $21,105, representing $3,181 more borrowing than students at similar institutions. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing relatively controlled variation in borrowing patterns.
The debt percentile ranking of 39th indicates modestly below-average debt levels nationally, though above peer institutions specifically. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates' debt represents about 42% of their first-year earnings, which falls within manageable parameters for loan repayment.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $17,500, with monthly payments of approximately $230, adding to total family educational debt burden. While debt levels exceed peer medians, the combination with above-peer earnings helps maintain reasonable debt-to-income ratios.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Bridgewater State University delivers above-average return on educational investment through earnings that exceed expectations by $1,709, ranking in the 62.5th percentile nationally for value-added performance. Median earnings of $57,466 surpass the peer median by $7,350, providing graduates with stronger long-term earning power than similar institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 indicates manageable borrowing relative to income potential, supporting sustainable loan repayment over time. Return index performance ranks around the national average at the 49.2nd percentile, reflecting solid but not exceptional long-term investment value.
The combination of accessible admissions, controlled costs through need-based aid, and earnings that exceed predictions creates favorable conditions for educational return on investment. Students can expect their degree investment to provide economic returns above what demographic and institutional factors would predict, particularly benefiting from the university's effectiveness in supporting diverse student populations through degree completion and career preparation.
Bridgewater State University serves 30.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students who benefit from federal financial aid programs. The $7,194 average financial aid savings reduces costs by nearly 29% from the published price, demonstrating meaningful aid impact for students who qualify.
The progressive pricing structure by income level shows that aid is effectively targeted toward students with the greatest financial need. Lower-income families receive aid that brings their net costs well below the average, while higher-income families pay closer to the full published price.
This approach aligns with the university's mission to provide accessible education for Massachusetts residents across diverse economic backgrounds. The substantial Pell enrollment combined with reasonable net prices for lower-income students indicates effective financial aid packaging that supports degree completion for students who might otherwise face affordability barriers.
