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Salem State University and Bridgewater State University are both public institutions — Salem State University in Salem, MA and Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Salem, MA · Public
Acceptance rate: 95.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,291
Tuition: $19,531/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 49.8%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Salem, MA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Bridgewater, MA · Public
Acceptance rate: 87.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,829
Tuition: $17,948/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 53.4%
Top programs: Education, Business and marketing, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Bridgewater, MA with published program strength in Education and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Salem State University | Bridgewater State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 95.9% | 87.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1060–1263 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 25–30 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,291 | 7,829 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,531/year | $17,948/year |
| Average net price after aid | $15,996 | $16,383 |
| Graduation rate | 49.8% | 53.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $56,662 | $57,466 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Salem, MA | Bridgewater, MA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Psychology | Education, Business and marketing, Psychology |
Bridgewater State University is more selective (87.8% vs 95.9% acceptance rate). Salem State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($15,996 vs $16,383). Bridgewater State University reports the higher graduation rate (53.4% vs 49.8%). Bridgewater State University is the larger undergraduate campus (7,829 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Salem State University and Bridgewater State University
Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 95.9%; Bridgewater State University is around 87.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Salem State University tuition is $19,531/year. Bridgewater State University is $17,948/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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