Bridgewater College (BC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Bridgewater College
Set in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Bridgewater College pairs a liberal-arts foundation with practical, hands-on learning. The college is known for strong teaching in the sciences, business, education, the arts, and communication, with discussion-heavy classes and close faculty mentorship. Students tap modern labs and studios, a well used library, campus recreation and athletic spaces, plus tutoring, advising, counseling, health care, and a career center that stays busy.
Life on campus feels close-knit and down to earth. Clubs, music and theater, intramurals, and outdoor trips keep weekends lively, and the Eagles spirit runs steady. Internships and research are a big part of the story, supported by alumni connections across the Valley and the mid Atlantic. The surrounding small town offers coffee shops, river access, trails, and easy hops to nearby artsy hubs. Bridgewater has a reputation for service minded traditions and seasonal events that bring everyone together. It's friendly, purposeful, and quietly ambitious.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Bridgewater College (BC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Business (3)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $223,410 | -$39,520 (-15%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $104,520 | -$28,600 (-21.5%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $176,170 | +$15,240 (+9.5%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $104,010 | -$22,020 (-17.5%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $100,360 | -$14,160 (-12.4%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $117,440 | -$11,740 (-9.1%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $113,860 | -$2,150 (-1.9%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $141,470 | -$14,760 (-9.4%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $135,360 | -$25,120 (-15.7%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $131,860 | -$8,730 (-6.2%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $96,800 | -$22,860 (-19.1%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $89,080 | +$2,020 (+2.3%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $80,320 | -$5,780 (-6.7%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $67,500 | -$3,120 (-4.4%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $67,100 | -$16,060 (-19.3%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $69,020 | -$10,710 (-13.4%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $92,470 | +$4,870 (+5.6%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $95,900 | -$12,200 (-11.3%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $106,790 | -$7,920 (-6.9%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $66,070 | -$16,850 (-20.3%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $69,390 | -$22,990 (-24.9%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $132,070 | +$18,230 (+16%) |
52.1001
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $141,470 | -$14,760 (-9.4%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $135,360 | -$25,120 (-15.7%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $131,860 | -$8,730 (-6.2%) |
13-1041 | Compliance Officers | $84,980 | $73,630 | -$11,350 (-13.4%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $69,020 | -$10,710 (-13.4%) |
13-1075 | Labor Relations Specialists | $97,130 | $87,010 | -$10,120 (-10.4%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $66,070 | -$16,850 (-20.3%) |
13-1151 | Training and Development Specialists | $73,760 | $75,230 | +$1,470 (+2%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $132,070 | +$18,230 (+16%) |
43-4161 | Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,950 | $46,470 | -$4,480 (-8.8%) |
52.1201
Management Information Systems, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $171,540 | -$16,450 (-8.8%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $158,740 | +$16,120 (+11.3%) |
15-1251 | Computer Programmers | $103,640 | $104,150 | +$510 (+0.5%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $131,170 | +$25,340 (+23.9%) |
Kinesiology (1)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0501
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1193 | Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,980 | $56,600 | -$31,380 (-35.7%) |
27-2021 | Athletes and Sports Competitors | $259,750 | $70,290 | -$189,460 (-72.9%) |
27-2022 | Coaches and Scouts | $58,910 | $57,230 | -$1,680 (-2.9%) |
39-9031 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $51,360 | $45,250 | -$6,110 (-11.9%) |
Biological Sciences (2)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $123,740 | -$49,760 (-28.7%) |
19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other | $100,440 | $112,110 | +$11,670 (+11.6%) |
19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other | $101,940 | $99,120 | -$2,820 (-2.8%) |
19-4012 | Agricultural Technicians | $49,680 | $43,360 | -$6,320 (-12.7%) |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $66,220 | +$11,820 (+21.7%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $44,670 | -$13,350 (-23%) |
19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $75,260 | $64,240 | -$11,020 (-14.6%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $80,000 | -$21,340 (-21.1%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $59,110 | -$14,590 (-19.8%) |
26.0202
Biochemistry.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $123,740 | -$49,760 (-28.7%) |
19-1021 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | $115,570 | $114,580 | -$990 (-0.9%) |
19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $112,690 | N/A | N/A |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $66,220 | +$11,820 (+21.7%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $44,670 | -$13,350 (-23%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $80,000 | -$21,340 (-21.1%) |
Arts (4)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0102
Digital Arts.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $75,790 | -$26,450 (-25.9%) |
27-1011 | Art Directors | $128,100 | $85,990 | -$42,110 (-32.9%) |
27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $69,980 | -$40,130 (-36.4%) |
27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $101,980 | +$22,490 (+28.3%) |
27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $56,840 | -$11,770 (-17.2%) |
27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $43,570 | -$12,080 (-21.7%) |
50.0501
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $75,790 | -$26,450 (-25.9%) |
27-2011 | Actors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $61,850 | -$52,430 (-45.9%) |
27-2099 | Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $75,790 | -$26,450 (-25.9%) |
27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $68,220 | -$8,230 (-10.8%) |
27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $101,980 | +$22,490 (+28.3%) |
50.0902
Music History, Literature, and Theory.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $75,790 | -$26,450 (-25.9%) |
Social Sciences (4)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0601
Economics, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3011 | Economists | $130,910 | $120,360 | -$10,550 (-8.1%) |
19-3022 | Survey Researchers | $73,470 | $63,970 | -$9,500 (-12.9%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $51,790 | -$11,770 (-18.5%) |
25-1063 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | $133,140 | $125,980 | -$7,160 (-5.4%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $59,110 | -$14,590 (-19.8%) |
45.0901
International Relations and Affairs.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | $154,860 | +$17,260 (+12.5%) |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $102,780 | -$2,380 (-2.3%) |
45.1001
Political Science and Government, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | $154,860 | +$17,260 (+12.5%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $51,790 | -$11,770 (-18.5%) |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $102,780 | -$2,380 (-2.3%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $59,110 | -$14,590 (-19.8%) |
45.1101
Sociology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3041 | Sociologists | $111,670 | N/A | N/A |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $51,790 | -$11,770 (-18.5%) |
25-1067 | Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,270 | $80,620 | -$16,650 (-17.1%) |
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3032 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $134,400 | N/A | N/A |
19-3033 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $106,850 | $103,030 | -$3,820 (-3.6%) |
19-3039 | Psychologists, All Other | $111,340 | $122,970 | +$11,630 (+10.4%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $51,790 | -$11,770 (-18.5%) |
25-1066 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,530 | $91,490 | -$2,040 (-2.2%) |
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $72,820 | -$21,650 (-22.9%) |
Communication (2)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0102
Mass Communication/Media Studies.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-2032 | Public Relations Managers | $163,520 | $164,840 | +$1,320 (+0.8%) |
25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $77,930 | -$12,410 (-13.7%) |
27-3023 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $106,030 | $63,770 | -$42,260 (-39.9%) |
27-3041 | Editors | $85,700 | $71,910 | -$13,790 (-16.1%) |
27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | $73,090 | -$12,690 (-14.8%) |
Human Sciences (2)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0101
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1192 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,450 | $72,180 | -$12,270 (-14.5%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $59,110 | -$14,590 (-19.8%) |
25-9021 | Farm and Home Management Educators | $60,470 | $67,260 | +$6,790 (+11.2%) |
19.0504
Human Nutrition.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1192 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,450 | $72,180 | -$12,270 (-14.5%) |
29-1031 | Dietitians and Nutritionists | $74,770 | $67,990 | -$6,780 (-9.1%) |
History (2)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
54.0101
History, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3093 | Historians | $78,470 | $103,230 | +$24,760 (+31.6%) |
25-1125 | History Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,710 | $92,600 | -$1,110 (-1.2%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $59,110 | -$14,590 (-19.8%) |
39-7011 | Tour Guides and Escorts | N/A | N/A | N/A |
54.0199
History, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Virginia Avg | VA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,730 | -$23,160 (-15.5%) |
19-3093 | Historians | $78,470 | $103,230 | +$24,760 (+31.6%) |
25-1125 | History Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,710 | $92,600 | -$1,110 (-1.2%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Bridgewater College (BC)
How much does it cost to attend Bridgewater College (BC)?
The annual tuition at Bridgewater College (BC) is $41,350 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $60,045 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $14,370 (on) / $11,975 (off) and books and supplies $905.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Bridgewater College offer?
Bridgewater College (BC) offers 38 academic programs across 19 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (4 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
- Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research (3 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Bridgewater College?
Bridgewater College (BC) has an 90.8% acceptance rate and a 11.9% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 3,984
- Students admitted: 3,618
- Students enrolled: 429
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bridgewater College?
Bridgewater College (BC) provides financial aid to 30% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $36,350 and average loans of $7,496.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,263
- State/Local grants: $4,498
- Institutional grants: $31,390
- Federal loans: $5,774
The university supports 422 students with grants and 264 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Bridgewater College graduates?
Bridgewater College (BC) graduates earn a median salary of $45,620 after 6 years and $53,453 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $39,649 (25th percentile) to $72,917 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $82,100 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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