Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, United States
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, Virginia, United States
Founded
1880
Institution Type
Private Liberal Arts
Total Students
~1,400
Acceptance Rate
91%
Discover Bridgewater College: History & Overview
Discover Bridgewater College: History & Overview
Bridgewater College is a private liberal arts college located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, just two hours southwest of the Washington, D.C. metro area. Founded in 1880 by Daniel Christian Flory as the Spring Creek Normal and Collegiate Institute, it was the first four-year liberal arts college in Virginia to admit both men and women from its founding.
Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater offers more than 60 majors and minors along with several master's degree programs, pre-professional programs in fields such as medicine and law, and teacher licensure. The college emphasizes personal connections between students and faculty, maintaining a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19.
Bridgewater is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the baccalaureate and master's level. The college's 190-acre suburban campus includes historic brick buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Bridgewater Historic District.
Key Milestones
- 1880: Founded as Spring Creek Normal and Collegiate Institute by Daniel Christian Flory, becoming the first coeducational liberal arts college in Virginia.
- 1889: Renamed Bridgewater College and chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia to grant undergraduate degrees.
- 1891: Conferred its first Bachelor of Arts degree on June 1, marking a major academic milestone.
- 1984: The oldest portion of campus, consisting of five historic brick buildings, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Academic Structure & Programs
Academic Structure & Programs
Bridgewater College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with more than 60 majors and minors, awarding both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The college also provides several master's degree programs and pre-professional pathways. Students benefit from the Flory Honors Program, undergraduate research opportunities, and study abroad through BCA Study Abroad and May Term Travel Courses.
Natural Sciences
The natural sciences division provides rigorous training in laboratory and field-based disciplines, supported by the Martin Science Research Institute for collaborative summer research with faculty.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Business & Economics
Business programs at Bridgewater prepare students for careers in management, finance, and entrepreneurship through experiential learning and internship opportunities.
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Accounting
Humanities & Social Sciences
The humanities and social sciences encompass a broad range of disciplines that develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills through small seminar-style classes.
- History
- Political Science
- English
Education & Human Development
Bridgewater's teacher education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and prepares students for Virginia teacher licensure across multiple disciplines.
- Elementary Education
- Health & Physical Education
- Psychology
Visual & Performing Arts
The arts programs at Bridgewater foster creative expression and technical skill through studio work, performance ensembles, and senior thesis exhibitions.
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Theatre
Health Sciences & Athletics
Bridgewater offers specialized programs in health sciences, including an athletic training master's program accredited by CAATE and unique undergraduate offerings such as equine studies.
- Athletic Training (M.S.)
- Equine Studies
- Exercise Science
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Application PlatformCommon Application accepted
- High School GPAAverage admitted GPA of 3.6
- Standardized TestsTest-optional; SAT/ACT considered if submitted
- English ProficiencyRequired for non-native English speakers (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Recommendation LettersNot required but may strengthen application
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRequired from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPAContact the college for program-specific requirements
- Standardized TestsVaries by program; contact admissions
- Prerequisite CourseworkProgram-specific prerequisites may apply
- Application MaterialsTranscripts, personal statement, and references
Submit your application by this date for early consideration and priority financial aid review.
Priority deadline for regular decision applicants seeking maximum financial aid consideration.
National deposit deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment at Bridgewater College.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after priority deadlines, subject to space availability.
Tuition, Costs & Scholarships
Tuition, Costs & Scholarships
Bridgewater College took a bold step to make private education more accessible by significantly lowering its published tuition. The college is committed to transparency in pricing, and 100% of first-year, full-time students receive some form of financial assistance.
| Cost Category | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 17,523 | USD 17,523 |
| Room & Board | USD 15,296 | USD 15,296 |
| Books & Supplies | Contact college | Contact college |
| Personal & Transportation | Varies | Varies |
| Total | ~USD 35,433 | ~USD 35,433 |
Merit Scholarships
Bridgewater awards generous merit-based scholarships to incoming students based on academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. These awards are renewable for up to four years.
- Eligibility: Based on high school GPA and academic record
- Award Range: Varies; contact financial aid office
- Renewable: Yes, with satisfactory academic progress
Need-Based Financial Aid
Bridgewater provides need-based grants and scholarships funded by donors and the college's endowment. Approximately 61% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid.
- Application: Complete the FAFSA
- Average Need-Based Grant: USD 6,880 for first-year students
- Average Net Price: USD 18,897 for federal loan recipients
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
Bridgewater College's 190-acre campus is set in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, combining historic charm with modern academic facilities. The campus features a mix of historic red brick buildings and contemporary structures surrounded by mountain views and green spaces.
An iconic campus landmark where the bell rings on the first day of classes, at commencement, and after athletic victories.
State-of-the-art laboratories support undergraduate research and collaborative faculty-student projects through the Martin Science Research Institute.
Comprehensive sports facilities support 26 intercollegiate teams and a vibrant intramural athletics program.
Housing & Dining
Residential Life
All students are required to live on campus, fostering a tight-knit residential community. Multiple residence halls offer a variety of living arrangements.
- Traditional residence halls for first-year students
- Upper-class housing options with suite-style rooms
- Honors community housing for Flory Fellows
Dining Services
The campus dining hall provides meal plans for residential students with a variety of food options to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Main campus dining hall with diverse menu options
- Meal plans included with room and board
- Grab-and-go options for busy schedules
Student Life at Bridgewater College
Student Life at Bridgewater College
Student life at Bridgewater College is centered on community, personal growth, and meaningful connections. With a small campus environment and a residential requirement, students build lasting friendships while engaging in a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and campus traditions.
Location: Bridgewater & the Shenandoah Valley
Location: Bridgewater & the Shenandoah Valley
Life in Bridgewater, Virginia
Bridgewater is a charming small town in Rockingham County, Virginia, located just south of Harrisonburg along Interstate 81. Only two hours southwest of Washington, D.C., the area offers a safe, welcoming community with easy access to outdoor recreation, Civil War battlefields, and the cultural amenities of the nearby city of Harrisonburg.
Shenandoah National Park
Just a short drive away, the park offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic Skyline Drive, and stunning mountain vistas.
Harrisonburg
A vibrant college town minutes from campus with restaurants, shops, entertainment, and a thriving arts and music scene.
Historic Sites
The region is rich in American history, including Civil War battlefields, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and other heritage landmarks.
Outdoor Adventure
The Shenandoah Valley provides exceptional opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, caving, kayaking, and skiing in the nearby mountains.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where Bridgewater Graduates Work
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
Bridgewater College partners with Shorelight to provide international-friendly admission and enrollment processes, offering personalized guidance throughout the application journey.
The college provides support for F-1 student visa applications and arrival requirements, helping international students navigate U.S. immigration procedures.
Students can participate in semester-long BCA Study Abroad programs or short-term May Term Travel Courses, gaining firsthand knowledge of other cultures while earning academic credit.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Bridgewater College Rankings
Bridgewater College Rankings
Bridgewater College is recognized in several national rankings for its liberal arts education, commitment to social mobility, and student-centered approach. As a small private college, it is valued for its personalized learning environment and strong community.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Recognized Program | Top program at the college per EDsmart |
| Computer Science | EduRank | #994 in the United States |
| Biology | EduRank | #1,144 in the United States |
| Psychology | EduRank | #1,080 in the United States |
Features
Bridgewater College offers a personalized liberal arts education with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. Students benefit from over 60 academic programs, undergraduate research opportunities, and select graduate degrees. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and career preparation, with a 67% employment rate within a year of graduation. A vibrant campus life includes NCAA Division III athletics, clubs, and cultural events, while the Shenandoah Valley location provides a scenic and supportive environment. Bridgewater prepares students for purposeful careers and meaningful lives.
Accommodation
On-Campus Housing Options\n\nVariety of Residential Styles: Includes traditional residence halls, suites, hotel-style rooms, and apartments. Features range from singles, doubles, triples, quads, to multi-bedroom apartments.\n\nNotable Buildings:\n\nBlue Ridge Hall – co-ed; singles to quads; lounges & kitchen.\n\nDaleville Hall, Heritage Hall, Wakeman Hall, Wampler Towers, Wright Hall, Wright/Heritage Link, Stone Village – each with unique layouts, accessibility features, kitchens, lounges, laundry, etc.\n\nFurnished Rooms: All rooms come equipped with extra-long twin beds, desks, chairs, storage, blinds, and internet access.\n\nModern Conveniences: Buildings are air-conditioned; most include laundry facilities, study and TV lounges, kitchens, and recycling.
Work While Studying
On-Campus Employment: Bridgewater College offers student employment opportunities such as library assistants, office support, residence life staff, dining services, and academic tutoring.\n\nFederal Work-Study (FWS): Eligible U.S. students can work part-time through the Federal Work-Study program.\n\nInternational Students: Can also work on campus (per U.S. F-1 visa rules), usually up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time on breaks, but cannot work off-campus without special authorization (CPT/OPT).
Co-op/Internship Participation
Bridgewater College offers robust internship support services through its Center for Career Development.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - January
Location
402 E College St, Bridgewater, VA 22812, United States
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