Founded in 1840
Bridgewater State University was founded by Horace Mann, the father of American education, driven by his belief in education as the great equalizer for all citizens. Today, Bridgewater State University has nearly 10,000 current students and over 82,000 alumni in all 50 states.
Located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts:
39 buildings on 278 acres
10th largest four-year college or university in Massachusetts
11 residence halls and 1 student apartment on campus. (Housing available for undergraduate, graduate and continuing studies students.)
We have our own MBTA commuter rail stop on campus
Satellite campuses in Attleboro, Cape Cod and New Bedford
Behind the Names
Have you ever wondered why there's a Hunt Hall or Moriarty Pool? In this story series, we'll introduce you to people who have left an indelible mark on Bridgewater State University, stretching all the way back to the institution's founding in 1840.
Our Faculty
Bridgewater State University is a student-centered university focused primarily on excellence in teaching. Through faculty development, we aim to establish and sustain a community of teacher-scholars and a university culture that values, promotes and rewards meaningful professional growth.
17:1
student/faculty ratio
339
full-time faculty
94%
full-time faculty are tenure or tenure-track
56%
female full-time faculty
44%
male full-time faculty
Academics
BSU has approximately 3,000 courses in more than 100 areas of study, and is recognized as one of the best universities in the nation for outstanding undergraduate research offerings. Undergraduate researchers have a 100% acceptance rate to graduate and professional school — often with full funding and at some of the top programs in the country. In 2020, BSU was ranked among Money's Best Colleges. These accomplishments show Bridgewater can match the learning experiences students have at private universities.
BSU also offers over 200 study abroad programs in more than 50 different countries. Over 2,000 students participate in internships, field experience or practicum experiences each year; and 88% of BSU graduates secure jobs or enroll in graduate school within six months to a year after graduation.
Our Colleges:
Student Life at BSU
Signature School Color: Crimson
Mascot: Bristaco the Bear
90+ Student Clubs and Organizations
Athletics: Bridgewater State University student athletes compete at the NCAA Division III Level and are members of ECAC, MASCAC, and the Little East
- 22 NCAA Division III teams for men and women
- 10 club sports
- 14 intramural sports
Our Commitment to Equity
- BSU ranks among the top 36 four-year, public higher education institutions in the nation on how it serves black students, according to a University of Southern California Race and Equity Center study.
- BSU has been recognized for rising rates of graduation for Bridgewater students overall, and for closing achievement and opportunity gaps for students of low-income, Pell Grant-eligible families, students of color and male students.
- BSU was ranked by Education Reform Now as the second leading university in Massachusetts for making a social mobility impact on students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds and identities.
- BSU has been ranked among the top 40 Best Colleges for LGBTQ students by College Choice.
48%
first-generation students
27%
students of color
14%
openly LGBTQ+ students
60%
female students
40%
male students
Student Demographics
Total Enrollment
- Undergraduate students: 8,172
- Graduate students: 1,378
- Total Enrollment: 9,550
*Fall 2023 numbers
Accordion Content
Applicants: 11,960
Accepted: 10,801
Enrolled: 2,823
*2023-2024 Factbook
Bachelor’s degrees: 1,734
Undergraduate certificates: 11
Master’s degrees: 587
Education Specialist degrees: 16
Post Baccalaureate certificates: 23
Post-Master’s certificates: 23
Graduate certificates: 47
Total degrees awarded: 2,446
*2023-2024 Factbook
Six-year undergraduate completion rate: 55%
Want more facts?
Bridgewater State University Factbook, 2023-2024
The Factbook is a profile of Bridgewater State University — a snapshot of official census counts, taken four weeks into the Fall semester. The link below pertains to the most recent Factbook (Academic Year 2023-2024).
“Students were forbidden to fraternize with the opposite sex; the consequence was expulsion. Slavery was legal. Women couldn’t vote. Martin Van Buren was soon to lose his bid for re-election to the presidency....Into this world view, in a small town in Southeastern Massachusetts, a band of pioneers set their sights on educational reform. One name, in particular, stands tall. It was his vision, his drive, his perseverance and his belief in education as the great equalizer for all citizens that spearheaded the launch of the commonwealth’s normal schools—Horace Mann, the father of American education. From humble beginnings, the Bridgewater Normal School evolved from a one-room schoolhouse located in the old town hall with 28 students to Bridgewater State University with its 270-acre campus serving more than 10,000 students."Source: Not to be Ministered Unto, But to Minister: Bridgewater State University 1840-2010 by Thomas R. Turner