2025 Bridgewater State University Guide: Admissions and Costs
Located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, BSU has spent the past 180 years developing programmes that balance academic rigour, cost-effectiveness, and welcoming access, making it one of the Bay State's oldest public institutions. The campus combines historical charm, contemporary facilities, and a commitment to student success. BSU's strong academic reputation pairs with a clear mission of affordability, an aim reinforced by the Bridgewater Commitment, the recently launched programme guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees for families earning no more than $125,000.
The university further broadens opportunity with high acceptance metrics---an 89 per cent overall and a remarkable 95.8 per cent for early applicants---ensuring that dedicated students can find an academic home here.
Understanding Bridgewater State University: Overview and Mission
University Profile and Academic Excellence
Bridgewater State University stands as a public comprehensive institution that fuses the close-knit community of a small college with the breadth and muscle of a large public university. Dedicated to broadening access to higher education, the university identifies students who exhibit intellectual promise, determination, personal integrity and a solid record of accomplishment---scholars from every discipline, socioeconomic bracket, racial and faith-based community and every corner of the country.
Key University Characteristics:
- Public university of moderate size, serving a population of around 11,000 learners
- Picturesque 278-acre campus centrally located in the New England town of Bridgewater
- Academic catalogue with more than 100 bachelor's degrees and upwards of 40 graduate paths
- Low student-versus-faculty ratio to guarantee close personal guidance and mentoring
- Pedagogical culture centred on experiential learning outside the classroom
Academic Reputation and Accreditation:
- Endorsed by the New England Commission of Higher Education, reflecting regional certification
- Specialised validations for programmes in education, business management and social work
- Recognised nationally for outstanding teacher training and community service
- Extensive and supportive alumni base across New England and nationally
Location and Community
Bridgewater's prime position offers a quiet, secure campus atmosphere whilst placing the vibrant energy of metropolitan life just minutes away. Students enjoy the perfect blend of hometown comfort and urban convenience:
Location Highlights:
- 30 minutes south of downtown Boston, creating pathways for internships and future careers
- Short drives to Cape Cod's beaches and year-round outdoor adventures
- Small-town warmth complemented by quick access to city life
- Deep New England historical and cultural tapestry to explore
Admissions Essentials: What to Prepare and How to Apply
Freshman Entrance Criteria
Bridgewater State University operates a selective admissions process, achieving an overall acceptance rate of 86 per cent. Candidates are asked to complete a college-preparatory course sequence and to provide an overall secondary school GPA, which is a mandatory element of the application packet.
Essential Application Components
1. Academic Prerequisites:
- A secondary school diploma or recognised equivalent
- A college-preparatory programme that includes:
- Four years of English
- Four years of maths, with Algebra II included
- Three years of science, of which two must involve hands-on laboratory work
- Two years of social studies
- Two years of a single foreign language
- Extra electives that reinforce core academic subjects
2. Standardised Testing (Optional):
Candidates may elect to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. Results may then be included in the assessment process. Use code 3517 to report SAT scores and code 1900 to report ACT scores to BSU.
If you're submitting test scores, here's what they look like:
- SAT: 1040 to 1230 (middle 50%)
- ACT: 18 to 27 (middle 50%)
3. Application Requirements:
- Fully completed Common Application or BSU application
- Official secondary school transcript
- Personal essay or personal statement
- Strongly recommended letter of recommendation
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
Transfer Student Admissions
You qualify as a transfer if you have ever taken a course at a college or university after secondary school.
Transfer Requirements:
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in your previous college coursework
- Send official transcripts from all colleges you have attended
- Present a record of good standing at your previous school
- Complete the application that includes an essay explaining your transfer motivation
Credit Transfer Policies:
- A maximum of 75 semester hours may be accepted from prior colleges
- Courses must carry a minimum grade of C to be eligible
- Priority will be given to credits from regionally accredited institutions
- An official evaluation will be conducted for credits earned outside the U.S.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid: Making Education Affordable
2025 Cost Breakdown
A clear understanding of the full cost to attend Bridgewater State University is essential for sound budgeting:
Massachusetts residents enrolled as full-time, day undergraduate students pay a per-year tuition of about $910, along with mandatory fees totalling $11,284.
Complete Cost Breakdown for 2025:
- In-state tuition plus fees: $11,737
- Out-of-state tuition plus fees: $17,874
- Room, board, and estimated living expenses: $17,756
- Required textbooks and supplies: $1,200-1,500 (est.)
- Personal budget: $2,000-3,000 (est.)
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance:
- Massachusetts residents: $32,000-34,000 per year
- Out-of-state students: $38,000-41,000 per year
The Bridgewater Commitment: Ground breaking Financial Support
Bridgewater State University's flagship aid programme is the Bridgewater Commitment:
Eligibility and Benefits:
- Covers tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students from households earning $125,000 or less
- Tuition and fees paid for students meeting eligibility criteria
- Renewable each year for those meeting academic benchmarks
- Automatic consideration when you submit the FAFSA, no additional paperwork needed
More Financial Aid Chances
1. Merit Scholarships:
First-year students with outstanding academic records will be awarded merit scholarships:
- Based on weighted GPA and standardised test performance
- Renewable with required GPA
- No additional application required
2. Need-Based Aid:
61% of our students receive grants and scholarships; the average aid award is $13,798:
- Federal Pell Grants for those who meet criteria
- Massachusetts state grants and scholarships
- Federal and state work-study positions available
- All required aid documents are due each spring by March 1
Academic Programmes and Opportunities
Bachelor Degree Programmes Available
Bridgewater State University prides itself on a broad spectrum of academic offerings that equip students for both rewarding careers and a lifetime of learning.
Key Academic Colleges:
- College of Education and Health Sciences
- College of Liberal Arts
- Ricciardi College of Business
- College of Science and Mathematics
- School of Graduate Studies
Industry-Focused Programmes:
- Teacher Preparation
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Computer Science and Information Technology
Noteworthy Distinctions:
- An honours programme for motivated students
- Undergraduate research funded and supervised
- Paid internships with local employers
- International study and exchange
- Courses that include community service
Work-Friendly Graduate and Continuing Education
BSU presents over 40 master's and certificate options suited for busy professionals and full-time learners:
Key Application Dates: Fall (February 1), Spring (October 1), and Summer (February 1); late applications cannot be considered.
Remediation Option: Candidates with under a 3.0 undergraduate GPA may provide GRE scores or complete a short-term GPA enhancement.
Most in-demand graduate programmes right now are:
- Master's in Education with a range of focus areas
- MBA and closely tied graduate business degrees
- Master's in Social Work
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Public Administration
- Criminal Justice
Conclusion
Attending Bridgewater State University is a strategic investment in a high-quality, affordable education. With admissions around 89%, and the Bridgewater Commitment---tuition support to students from middle and low-income families---BSU eliminates the typical barriers to academic success and turns potential into achievement.
Whether you're blazing a first path to a college degree, pivoting careers, or simply wanting a top-notch education that won't stretch your wallet, BSU is ready with the strategies, structure, and spirit to help turn your plans into reality. Our blend of academic excellence, sensible tuition, and door-opening support is the Launchpad for students who dream of tomorrow and want to make it real today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridgewater State University test-optional?
Absolutely! You can decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores, so you can highlight the parts of your application that best showcase your strengths.
What is the Bridgewater Commitment and how do I qualify?
The Bridgewater Commitment covers tuition and mandatory fees for families with annual earnings of $125,000 or less. Complete the FAFSA, and you'll be considered automatically---even the application is simple!
How competitive is admission to BSU?
BSU welcomes 86 to 89 per cent of applicants, striking a balance between accessibility and academic integrity. Candidates should bring intellectual promise and a genuine willingness to learn.
Can I transfer credits from community college or other institutions?
Absolutely. BSU accepts a maximum of 75 credits from regionally accredited colleges, provided each course was awarded a grade of C or higher.
What support services are available for students?
BSU provides a 360-degree support network: academic tutoring, career planning, mental health counselling, disability services, and dedicated resources for first-generation and international students.
Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?
Yes. BSU actively promotes undergraduate research in every field. Students collaborate with faculty, present at national conferences, and can even see their findings in print.
Testimonials
"Choosing Bridgewater State was one of the best decisions I made. The professors genuinely care about student success, and the small class sizes mean I'm not just a number. The Bridgewater Commitment made my education affordable, and the internship opportunities helped me land a job before graduation. I've grown both academically and personally in ways I never expected." --- Sarah Martinez, Elementary Education Senior
"BSU prepared me not just with technical knowledge but with critical thinking and communication skills that have been invaluable in my career. The connections I made with faculty led to research opportunities and graduate school recommendations. Five years after graduation, I'm working in my dream job as a data analyst for a Boston-based healthcare company and I credit much of my success to the foundation I built at Bridgewater State." --- Michael Chen, Computer Science Alumnus, Class of 2019
