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
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14 colleges · Avg tuition $16,507
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23 colleges · Avg tuition $12,750
Paterson
5 colleges · Avg tuition $13,620
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8 colleges · Avg tuition $16,841
Hoboken
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,836
New Brunswick
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,804
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $15,873
Elizabeth
6 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Edison
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
Lakewood
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Woodbridge
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,200
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bridgewater
How we compile Bridgewater college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Bridgewater institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Bridgewater's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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