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Berklee College of Music vs Bridgewater State University

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA, and Bridgewater State University is a public university in Bridgewater, MA. Berklee College of Music is the more selective of the two, admitting about 44% of applicants against 88% at Bridgewater State University. Bridgewater State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,383 a year against $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 67% of students graduate at Berklee College of Music, compared with 54% at Bridgewater State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bridgewater State University alumni earn a median of about $57,466, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Boston, MA
Bridgewater, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,468
7,829
Acceptance rate
44%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1060–1263
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$16,383
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$26,160
In-state tuition
$52,040
$11,808
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$17,948
Application fee
$150
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$10,007
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$11,579
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$13,559
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$16,904
Over $110k
$54,676
$21,176
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
54%
Freshman retention
89%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$46,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$57,466
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,286
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
32%
First-generation students
21%
34%
International students
32%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Berklee College of Music or Bridgewater State University harder to get into?
Berklee College of Music is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 88% at Bridgewater State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Berklee College of Music or Bridgewater State University?
Bridgewater State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,383 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Berklee College of Music and Bridgewater State University?
Before aid, Bridgewater State University costs about $26,160 a year and Berklee College of Music about $72,700. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Berklee College of Music or Bridgewater State University?
Bridgewater State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,007 there, against about $42,734 at Berklee College of Music. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Berklee College of Music or Bridgewater State University?
Bridgewater State University is the larger of the two, with about 7,829 undergraduates against 7,468 at Berklee College of Music.
Does Berklee College of Music or Bridgewater State University have a better graduation rate?
Berklee College of Music has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 54% at Bridgewater State University.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or Bridgewater State University earn more?
Bridgewater State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,466 ten years after enrolling, against about $33,647 for Berklee College of Music. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Berklee College of Music and Bridgewater State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Bridgewater State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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