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Bridgewater College vs Radford University

Bridgewater College is a private college in Bridgewater, VA, and Radford University is a public university in Radford, VA. Radford University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 90% of applicants against 92% at Bridgewater College. Radford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,578 a year against $17,800 at Bridgewater College. About 51% of students graduate at Bridgewater College, compared with 49% at Radford University. Ten years after enrolling, Radford University alumni earn a median of about $53,739, against $53,453 for Bridgewater College.

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bridgewater, VA
Radford, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,400
6,038
Acceptance rate
92%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.25–3.75
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1360
940–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
28–29
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,800
$14,578
Full cost / yr
$58,702
$28,405
In-state tuition
$16,090
$12,548
Out-of-state tuition
$16,090
$25,633
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,283
$8,965
$30k - $48k
$12,468
$8,724
$48k - $75k
$15,046
$12,069
$75k - $110k
$20,582
$17,092
Over $110k
$21,448
$23,533
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
49%
Freshman retention
75%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,620
$44,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,453
$53,739
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
37%
First-generation students
32%
31%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 Radford University harder to get into?
Radford University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% 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 Radford University?
Radford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,578 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,800 at Bridgewater 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 Radford University?
Before aid, Radford University costs about $28,405 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 Radford University?
Radford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,965 there, against about $13,283 at Bridgewater College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bridgewater College or Radford University?
Radford University is the larger of the two, with about 6,038 undergraduates against 1,400 at Bridgewater College.
Does Bridgewater College or Radford University have a better graduation rate?
Bridgewater College has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 49% at Radford University.
Do graduates of Bridgewater College or Radford University earn more?
Radford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,739 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,453 for Bridgewater College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bridgewater College and Radford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bridgewater College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Radford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bridgewater College and Radford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1360 at Bridgewater College and 940–1160 at Radford 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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