Bridgewater State University
BSU
Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02325
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Bridgewater State University is a public institution in Bridgewater with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1127, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 7.9K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
55% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $57,466 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,970.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Foundation Bridgewater State University was founded by Horace Mann as Bridgewater Normal School.
- •It opened on September 9, 1840, making it the oldest permanently-located institution of public higher education in Massachusetts.
- •As one of the first normal schools in the nation, its initial mission was to train school teachers.
- •The first class consisted of 21 women and seven men.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1127
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
November 15
Regular Decision
February 15
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Transfer Admission
International Students
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
29.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,746
Academics
Programs (81)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
77%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
56
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Boston
Historic city with museums, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions
Cape Cod beaches
Beautiful beaches and coastal towns
Bridgewater Commonswalkable
Local shopping and dining area
Days out near Bridgewater
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Brockton, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days