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Boston College vs Bridgewater State University

Boston College is a private college in Chestnut Hill, MA, and Bridgewater State University is a public university in Bridgewater, MA. Boston College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 16% 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 $41,704 at Boston College. About 91% of students graduate at Boston College, compared with 54% at Bridgewater State University. Ten years after enrolling, Boston College alumni earn a median of about $103,937, against $57,466 for Bridgewater State University.

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
Bridgewater, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,085
7,829
Acceptance rate
16%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1060–1263
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,704
$16,383
Full cost / yr
$89,493
$26,160
In-state tuition
$70,702
$11,808
Out-of-state tuition
$70,702
$17,948
Application fee
$80
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,284
$10,007
$30k - $48k
$7,304
$11,579
$48k - $75k
$13,112
$13,559
$75k - $110k
$19,999
$16,904
Over $110k
$60,308
$21,176
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
54%
Freshman retention
96%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,717
$46,673
Median earnings (10 yr)
$103,937
$57,466
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$24,286
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
32%
First-generation students
13%
34%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
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 Boston College or Bridgewater State University harder to get into?
Boston College is harder to get into. It admits about 16% 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, Boston College or Bridgewater State University?
Bridgewater State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,383 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,704 at Boston College. 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 Boston College and Bridgewater State University?
Before aid, Bridgewater State University costs about $26,160 a year and Boston College about $89,493. 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, Boston College or Bridgewater State University?
Boston College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,284 there, against about $10,007 at Bridgewater State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boston College or Bridgewater State University?
Boston College is the larger of the two, with about 10,085 undergraduates against 7,829 at Bridgewater State University.
Does Boston College or Bridgewater State University have a better graduation rate?
Boston College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 54% at Bridgewater State University.
Do graduates of Boston College or Bridgewater State University earn more?
Boston College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,937 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,466 for Bridgewater State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston College and Bridgewater State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston College 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.
What SAT scores do Boston College and Bridgewater State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1060–1263 at Bridgewater State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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