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Bridgewater State University

#759 in US ranking Bridgewater, MA
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$28,736
Tuition & fees
$19,134
Avg. aid
$10,024
Receiving aid
96%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
88%
SAT range
1060–1263
ACT range
25–30

Outcomes

Graduation rate
53%
Median salary
$45,871
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Bridgewater State University?

Bridgewater State University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is distinct from approval or accreditation of an individual degree program.

This status is relevant to eligibility for federal student aid and can matter when students seek to transfer credit or pursue graduate study. It does not mean another college must accept every BSU course. Some professions also require graduation from a specifically accredited program, approved coursework, supervised experience, examinations, or a state license. Applicants considering teaching, social work, business, or another regulated or professionally accredited field should check the status and requirements of the specific program, as well as the rules in the state where they intend to practice.

What are the admission requirements at Bridgewater State University?

First-year admission to Bridgewater State University is selective rather than open admission. Applicants generally submit an application and a secondary-school transcript showing graduation or an accepted equivalent; the university reviews high school coursework and GPA.

SAT and ACT scores are considered but are not required under the reported admissions policy. Only a small share of enrolled first-year students submitted scores - about 8% submitted SAT results - so a published score midpoint should not be treated as a requirement or as a description of the entire entering class. Recommendations may be considered but are not generally required. Applicants whose prior education was not in English should check the university's English-proficiency requirements, including accepted tests and possible exemptions.

For context, approximately 88% of first-year applicants were admitted in the reported admissions cycle. That is an institution-wide figure, not a promise of admission to a particular applicant or restricted major. Application dates, academic preparation expectations, and any additional requirements should be checked for the intended entry term and program.

What are the application fees and waivers at Bridgewater State University?

The reported undergraduate application fee for Bridgewater State University is $50. Because application charges and waiver procedures can change by admission cycle, applicants should confirm the amount shown in their application before paying.

Students for whom the fee presents a hardship should look for a fee-waiver option in the application and review BSU's admissions instructions before submission. First-year, transfer, graduate, and special-program applications may follow different processes. An application fee is separate from any later enrollment deposit or charge connected with attendance.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Bridgewater State University?

Bridgewater State students have reported access to Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC through cooperating host institutions, rather than through units identified as operating independently at BSU. Participation may require travel to another campus for classes, training, or both.

A prospective cadet should confirm the current host arrangement, transportation demands, course-credit treatment, and participation rules with the relevant ROTC program and BSU before enrolling. ROTC scholarships have separate applications and eligibility criteria; participating in ROTC and accepting certain scholarships or commissioning paths can also carry military service obligations.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Bridgewater State University?

Bridgewater State University accepts transfer applicants and generally considers college credit earned at other accredited institutions. Transfer entry is reported for fall, spring, and summer, though availability and deadlines can vary by program and term.

Applicants should expect to provide official transcripts from every college attended and check whether a high school record is needed for their circumstances. Admission to BSU and acceptance of particular courses toward a major are separate decisions: a course might transfer as elective credit without satisfying a specific requirement. BSU also reports accepting certain exam-based and evaluated learning credits, including CLEP, DSST, and ACE-recommended credit, subject to its policies.

Massachusetts community-college students should examine applicable statewide transfer pathways and program agreements. Before making an enrollment decision, a transfer applicant can seek an official credit evaluation and compare it with the major's remaining requirements and BSU's minimum in-residence coursework rules.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Bridgewater State University?

Bridgewater State University offers study-abroad advising and international learning opportunities that may include semester-length programs and shorter faculty-led experiences. Options differ in destination, academic calendar, eligibility, and whether BSU or a partner administers the program.

The key academic question is how courses will count toward a student's degree. Students should obtain approval for proposed coursework before committing to a program, particularly in tightly sequenced majors or teacher-preparation tracks. Program charges, travel costs, scholarships, and the treatment of existing financial aid can differ from a regular semester in Bridgewater.

Bridgewater State University Admissions Factors

SAT range
1060–1263
4001600
ACT range
25–30
136
Acceptance rate
88%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
88%
Massachusetts
70.5%
US
78%

19% of admitted students enrolled (1,551 of 7,987)

Bridgewater State University Admissions

Applicants
Total: 9,096
Admission
Total: 7,987
Enrolled
Total: 1,551
Women
Men

How to Apply to Bridgewater State University

Application fee

$50

Early Decision

No

Early Action

Yes, deadline November 15

Bridgewater State University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 1,429
Out-of-state: 117
International: 5

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 1,551
Transfer: 731

Bridgewater State University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1105

Median composite ACT score

24

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

0.5%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

8%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

Yes

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Neither required nor recommended

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Considered but not required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Neither required nor recommended

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Neither required nor recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Bridgewater State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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