Bridgewater State University vs Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Bridgewater State University is a public university in Bridgewater, MA, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public college in North Adams, MA. Bridgewater State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 90% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,068 a year against $16,383 at Bridgewater State University. About 54% of students graduate at Bridgewater State University, compared with 52% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Ten years after enrolling, Bridgewater State University alumni earn a median of about $57,466, against $48,102 for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bridgewater, MA
North Adams, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,829
713
Acceptance rate
88%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1263
960–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
17–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,383
$16,068
Full cost / yr
$26,160
$26,026
In-state tuition
$11,808
$12,436
Out-of-state tuition
$17,948
$21,381
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,007
$9,845
$30k - $48k
$11,579
$10,762
$48k - $75k
$13,559
$13,250
$75k - $110k
$16,904
$15,958
Over $110k
$21,176
$22,698
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
52%
Freshman retention
75%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,673
$36,803
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,466
$48,102
Median debt at graduation
$24,286
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
41%
First-generation students
34%
33%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 15
Mar 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.
- Is Bridgewater State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts harder to get into?
- Bridgewater State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 90% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,068 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,383 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Bridgewater State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Before aid, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts costs about $26,026 a year and Bridgewater State University about $26,160. 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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,845 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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts?
- Bridgewater State University is the larger of the two, with about 7,829 undergraduates against 713 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
- Does Bridgewater State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts have a better graduation rate?
- Bridgewater State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 52% at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
- Do graduates of Bridgewater State University or Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts earn more?
- Bridgewater State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,466 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,102 for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bridgewater State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bridgewater State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Bridgewater State University and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1263 at Bridgewater State University and 960–1180 at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Bridgewater State University vs Harvard UniversityBridgewater State University vs Tufts UniversityBridgewater State University vs Boston CollegeMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs The New England Conservatory of MusicMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts vs Anna Maria College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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