College Costs in Bridgewater, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,167
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bridgewater Overview
Population
44,943
Student Population
3,418 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
122.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Bridgewater
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,516
Total After Financial Aid
$123,516
Annual Cost
$30,879
Annual After Aid
$30,879
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,516 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,402 |
| Total Interest | $44,784 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,300 |
Universities in Bridgewater
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater State University | Public | $15,700 |
| Bridgewater Community College | Community | $5,564 |
Bridgewater has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bridgewater vs. National Average
| Category | Bridgewater | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,167 | $1,050 | +$117 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122.7 | 100 | +22.700000000000003 |
Bridgewater's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bridgewater
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,418 students
Bridgewater has a total population of 44,943, with approximately 3,418 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bridgewater offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bridgewater
$51,020
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bridgewater earn a median starting salary of $51,020, which is $16,020 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,516 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,234 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Jersey
Newark
14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,507
Jersey City
23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,750
Paterson
5 colleges · Avg tuition $13,620
Trenton
8 colleges · Avg tuition $16,841
Hoboken
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,836
New Brunswick
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,804
Princeton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $15,873
Elizabeth
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Edison
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Lakewood
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Woodbridge
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Toms River
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities