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Bridgewater State University vs College of Our Lady of the Elms

Bridgewater State University is a public university in Bridgewater, MA, and College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private college in Chicopee, MA. College of Our Lady of the Elms is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% 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 $17,545 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. About 66% of students graduate at College of Our Lady of the Elms, compared with 54% at Bridgewater State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bridgewater State University alumni earn a median of about $57,466, against $51,540 for College of Our Lady of the Elms.

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA · Public

College of Our Lady of the Elms

Chicopee, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bridgewater, MA
Chicopee, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,829
949
Acceptance rate
88%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1263
1150–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
21–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,383
$17,545
Full cost / yr
$26,160
$54,027
In-state tuition
$11,808
$43,325
Out-of-state tuition
$17,948
$43,325
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,007
$8,099
$30k - $48k
$11,579
$22,645
$48k - $75k
$13,559
$17,539
$75k - $110k
$16,904
$21,243
Over $110k
$21,176
$25,491
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
66%
Freshman retention
75%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,673
$54,087
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,466
$51,540
Median debt at graduation
$24,286
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
45%
First-generation students
34%
35%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
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 State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms harder to get into?
College of Our Lady of the Elms is harder to get into. It admits about 85% 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, Bridgewater State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Bridgewater State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,383 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,545 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. 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 State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Before aid, Bridgewater State University costs about $26,160 a year and College of Our Lady of the Elms about $54,027. 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 State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
College of Our Lady of the Elms. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,099 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, Bridgewater State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Bridgewater State University is the larger of the two, with about 7,829 undergraduates against 949 at College of Our Lady of the Elms.
Does Bridgewater State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms have a better graduation rate?
College of Our Lady of the Elms has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 54% at Bridgewater State University.
Do graduates of Bridgewater State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms earn more?
Bridgewater State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,466 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,540 for College of Our Lady of the Elms. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bridgewater State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms require SAT or ACT scores?
Bridgewater State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College of Our Lady of the Elms is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bridgewater State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1263 at Bridgewater State University and 1150–1320 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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