Bridgewater State vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bridgewater State University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (9,727 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, MA (Large Suburban setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Bridgewater State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bridgewater State University 17:1; Rider University 14:1.

Bridgewater State vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bridgewater State or Rider University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bridgewater State University than Rider University ($15,646 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater State University are 11.5% lower than at Rider University ($15,247 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 248.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bridgewater State (about $29,312 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $11,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.1% higher at Rider University than at Bridgewater State University (about $23,172 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $17,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Bridgewater State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 183.9% larger than aid received by Bridgewater State University students ($29,294 vs. $10,318).

Bridgewater State vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bridgewater State or Rider University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Rider University and Bridgewater State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 50 points higher than at Bridgewater State (1160).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Bridgewater State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 1060/1263; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bridgewater State University 25/30; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bridgewater State - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bridgewater State Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Bridgewater State (3.21).
• Bridgewater State has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Bridgewater State vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Bridgewater State vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bridgewater State and Rider University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Rider University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bridgewater State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Bridgewater State graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bridgewater State University graduates have a $1,160 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($24,590 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Bridgewater State graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($254 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bridgewater State students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.