51³ÉÈË

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Wall Street Journal ranks 51³ÉÈË as a Best College for the second year in a row! Learn more

About Us

Excellence in Education, Since 1840

For more than 184 years, 51³ÉÈË has been transforming lives, helping all of our students get an outstanding education, begin rewarding careers and lift up their families. 51³ÉÈË is a safe, diverse, inclusive, welcoming community where all students and employees can find a home.

As the 10th largest university, public or private, in Massachusetts, Bridgewater provides a wide range of academic programs and innovative learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. The University grants approximately 2,500 degrees and certificates each year.

Bridgewater has one of the top-ranked undergraduate research programs in the nation and has more than 250 study abroad programs. Each year, more than 1,600 students participate in internships to discover the work they love as they earn academic credit. 51³ÉÈË is ranked as the second leading university in Massachusetts for advancing the social mobility of students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds and ninth in the nation for graduation rates for undergraduate Black students. Bridgewater continues to expand its reach and deepen its service to the community through early college and senior college initiatives.

The University recently launched its first engineering programs in photonics and optical engineering and is building the state’s most sophisticated cybersecurity training facility. 51³ÉÈË graduate students have among the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates of any university in Massachusetts. Founded as a school for teachers in 1840, Bridgewater still graduates more teachers and STEM educators than any institution in Massachusetts.

51³ÉÈË provides all these opportunities while continuing to offer one of the most affordable degrees in all of New England.

1840

year founded

10th

largest four-year academic institution in Massachusetts

9,604

undergrad and grad students (fall 2022)

94%

full-time faculty holding doctorates or other terminal degrees

Student works overseas with children

Since our founding, Bridgewater State has been committed to empowering individuals and instilling in our students and faculty a deep appreciation for advancing the public good.

Representative speaks during a Minnock Center event

Our academic centers and institutes — representing a wide array of interests, scholarship and expertise — support the mission and goals of the university by enhancing research and scholarship and by fostering community outreach.

 

European colonists, a Native American woman, and a Black Civil War soldier
51³ÉÈË is a regional catalyst for promoting civic responsibility and engagement for residents of Massachusetts and beyond.
News - Latest 6

51³ÉÈË Stories

More 51³ÉÈË Stories >
Student Spotlight
Headshot of Emily Rose in front of a white background.
Service First

Senior finds calling in helping others, serving with Trustees

Martin Richard Institute of Social Justice
A group of people wearing hair nets stand smiling and packing meals at tables
9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance

51³ÉÈË students volunteer to feed the hungry

Art
 A woman stands working in an art studio
The Fabric of Art

Anderson Gallery exhibit puts spotlight on work of Ghana-born artist

Headshot of Cindy Mack in front of a white background.
Student, Staff Member Quoted in Globe Editorial

Cindy Mack, '23, '24, and Jeff Sarahs, '10, G'12, director of Transfer Services, The Boston Globe's Editorial Board about ways 51³ÉÈË supports students transferring from community colleges.

Board of Trustees
Headshot of Mike Vieira in front of a black background wearing a suit and tie.
Alumnus Named to Board of Trustees

Mike Vieira seeks to replicate his campus experience for today’s students

A girl and her father stand smiling while pushing a cart full of items for her dorm room
On the Move

Smiles and optimism rule as annual ritual unfolds