Academic Comparison between Bridgewater State and Amherst

Bridgewater State University and Amherst College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Bridgewater State is a four-year, public school located in Bridgewater, MA and Amherst is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Amherst, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Bridgewater State is a public and Amherst is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,480) than Bridgewater State ($17,874).
  • It is harder to admit to Amherst than Bridgewater State.
  • Amherst has a higher submitted SAT score (1,170) than Bridgewater State (1,170).
  • Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Bridgewater State (28).
  • Bridgewater State has more students with 9,727 students while Amherst has 1,914 students.
  • Amherst has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Bridgewater State's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Bridgewater State has more full-time faculties with 331 faculties while Amherst has 282 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Bridgewater State Universityvs.Amherst College
Bridgewater, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$11,734
Out-Of-State$17,874
2025 Tuition & Fees$70,480
65%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$10,024Average Amount of Financial Aid$67,234
87.81 %Acceptance Rates9.01 %
19.42 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)38.77 %
1,170SAT Score1,540
28ACT Score34
53 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate3 %
75 %Retention Rate97 %
9,727Student Population1,914
331Number of Faculties282
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services