
402 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812-1599, USA


Bridgewater College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This accreditation authorizes the institution to award bachelor's and master's degrees, ensuring that its academic programs meet established standards of quality and rigor. For prospective students, this accreditation signifies that the college maintains a recognized level of educational excellence and institutional integrity.
Bridgewater College requires applicants to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of secondary school records and grade point average is mandatory for admission consideration. While recommendations, specific admission test scores, and English proficiency exams like TOEFL are not required, submission of other test results is recommended. The college does not operate under an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or general college program transfer credits, though it does allow Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
The institution mandates that applicants have access to a computer, although leasing a computer is not provided. Competency recommendations are also encouraged to strengthen the application.
Bridgewater College's acceptance rate is approximately 91%, placing it in the higher tier of selectivity nationally. The average SAT score for enrolled students is 1158, which is around the 50th percentile, with a math score near 575 and writing close to 583. The mean ACT score hovers around 25, slightly above the national average. This data suggests that the college typically enrolls students with average standardized test scores relative to other institutions.
Bridgewater College requires prospective students to submit an application fee when applying. However, the exact amount of this fee is not specified in the available information. Importantly, the college recognizes that fee waivers can play a critical role in making higher education accessible. Therefore, it offers fee waiver options for eligible applicants, particularly those who demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver are encouraged to consult with the admissions office or review the college's official guidelines to understand the eligibility requirements and application process for obtaining a waiver. This approach helps reduce financial barriers for students who might otherwise find the application fee burdensome.
By providing these waivers, Bridgewater College supports a more inclusive admissions process, aiming to ensure that qualified students are not deterred solely due to cost considerations during the application phase.
Bridgewater College hosts a ROTC branch unit on its campus, offering students the opportunity to participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs directly through the institution. This presence provides a structured environment for those interested in military leadership training while pursuing their academic studies.
Bridgewater College permits transfer students to enroll in the fall and spring terms, providing flexibility for those planning their academic transition. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother progression toward degree completion. Furthermore, Bridgewater College recognizes credit by examination through both CLEP general and CLEP subject tests, allowing students to potentially accelerate their curriculum based on prior knowledge and achievements.
Bridgewater College offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. The programs are structured to accommodate various disciplines and interests, allowing students to participate in semester-long exchanges, faculty-led short-term trips, and summer study abroad sessions. These options provide flexibility to integrate international learning with degree requirements.
The college partners with numerous institutions worldwide, giving students access to diverse regions and cultures. Programs often emphasize immersive learning, encouraging students to engage deeply with the local communities and languages. Additionally, Bridgewater College supports students through advising and financial aid resources tailored specifically to study abroad initiatives, making global education more accessible.
Participation in study abroad is open to students from all majors, fostering cross-cultural competence essential in today's globalized world. Through these programs, students can earn academic credit while gaining international perspectives that complement their on-campus studies.
Median composite SAT score
1158Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring