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Bridgewater College vs Ferrum College

Bridgewater College is a private college in Bridgewater, VA, and Ferrum College is a private college in Ferrum, VA. Ferrum College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 92% at Bridgewater College. Bridgewater College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,800 a year against $20,082 at Ferrum College. About 51% of students graduate at Bridgewater College, compared with 30% at Ferrum College. Ten years after enrolling, Bridgewater College alumni earn a median of about $53,453, against $44,296 for Ferrum College.

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

Ferrum College

Ferrum, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bridgewater, VA
Ferrum, VA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,400
699
Acceptance rate
92%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.25–3.75
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1360
880–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
28–29
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,800
$20,082
Full cost / yr
$58,702
$54,526
In-state tuition
$16,090
$28,520
Out-of-state tuition
$16,090
$28,520
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,283
$16,940
$30k - $48k
$12,468
$16,493
$48k - $75k
$15,046
$19,967
$75k - $110k
$20,582
$22,505
Over $110k
$21,448
$24,346
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
30%
Freshman retention
75%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,620
$36,418
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,453
$44,296
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
54%
First-generation students
32%
39%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Bridgewater College or Ferrum College harder to get into?
Ferrum College is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 92% at Bridgewater College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bridgewater College or Ferrum College?
Bridgewater College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,800 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,082 at Ferrum 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 Bridgewater College and Ferrum College?
Before aid, Ferrum College costs about $54,526 a year and Bridgewater College about $58,702. 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, Bridgewater College or Ferrum College?
Bridgewater College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,283 there, against about $16,940 at Ferrum College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bridgewater College or Ferrum College?
Bridgewater College is the larger of the two, with about 1,400 undergraduates against 699 at Ferrum College.
Does Bridgewater College or Ferrum College have a better graduation rate?
Bridgewater College has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 30% at Ferrum College.
Do graduates of Bridgewater College or Ferrum College earn more?
Bridgewater College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,453 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,296 for Ferrum College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bridgewater College and Ferrum College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bridgewater College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ferrum College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bridgewater College and Ferrum College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1360 at Bridgewater College and 880–1100 at Ferrum College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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