Overview of Bridgewater College
Bridgewater College, located in Bridgewater, Virginia, is a private liberal arts institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1880. Rooted in the Church of the Brethren tradition, the college is known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the development of well-rounded individuals. Bridgewater College provides a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages students to explore diverse academic disciplines, engage in experiential learning, and contribute to their communities.
Academic Programs: Bridgewater College offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The college is organized into several academic divisions, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies, and the College of Graduate Studies. Bridgewater’s academic offerings encompass fields such as business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
The faculty at Bridgewater College are dedicated educators who prioritize teaching and mentorship. With a commitment to small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention, interactive discussions, and opportunities for research and experiential learning. The college’s liberal arts foundation emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and a well-rounded education.
Experiential Learning: Bridgewater College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. The college’s Center for Engaged Learning facilitates internships, research projects, study abroad programs, and community service initiatives. These experiences enhance students’ academic and personal development, preparing them for successful careers and lifelong learning.
Bridgewater’s commitment to experiential learning aligns with its mission to foster curiosity, creativity, and a sense of responsibility among its students. Whether through internships, service learning, or research collaborations with faculty, students have the chance to connect their academic pursuits to practical, real-world contexts.
Community Engagement: Community engagement is a core aspect of Bridgewater College’s mission. The college encourages students to actively participate in service projects, community outreach, and civic engagement. The Center for Engaged Learning collaborates with local organizations to create opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions to the community.
Bridgewater’s commitment to service is evident in initiatives such as the Civic Engagement Certificate program, which recognizes students for their sustained involvement in community service and social justice activities. The college’s emphasis on community engagement reinforces the values of social responsibility and ethical leadership.
Campus and Facilities: Bridgewater College’s campus is characterized by a blend of historic and modern buildings, providing a picturesque and welcoming environment. The Kline Campus Center, Bowman Hall, and the Alexander Mack Memorial Library are among the facilities that support academic, residential, and recreational aspects of campus life.
The college’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices and initiatives. The Solar Scholars program, for example, allows students to engage with renewable energy projects on campus, contributing to Bridgewater’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
Student Life: Bridgewater College offers a vibrant and inclusive student life experience. With a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community. The Eagles, Bridgewater’s athletic teams, compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), contributing to the school spirit and sense of pride on campus.
The Spiritual Life Office at Bridgewater supports the spiritual development of students, providing opportunities for worship, meditation, and community-building. Campus events, cultural programs, and recreational activities contribute to the overall student experience.
Diversity and Inclusion: Bridgewater College values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a campus environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds. The college’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its recruitment efforts, scholarship programs, and initiatives that promote inclusivity on campus.
The college’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to create an environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students. Bridgewater’s commitment to diversity contributes to a rich and dynamic campus community that values different perspectives and experiences.
Alumni Success: Bridgewater College has a strong and accomplished alumni network. Graduates of Bridgewater can be found in various professions, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. The college’s emphasis on preparing students for successful careers and a lifetime of learning is evident in the achievements of its alumni.
Bridgewater College stands as a liberal arts institution with a commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the holistic development of its students. With a focus on experiential learning, community service, and inclusivity, Bridgewater continues to play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences and future successes of its students.
402 E. College Street Bridgewater, VA 22812-1599
Phone: (800) 759-8328
Email: admissions@bridgewater.edu
Web site: http://www.bridgewater.edu
Rankings: Bridgewater College
Located in Bridgewater, VA, Bridgewater College is one of the best universities in the state of Virginia. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bridgewater College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bridgewater College.
Bridgewater College is a small liberal arts college located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The college has been ranked in the top tier of regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report since 2008, and has consistently placed in the top 15 among all regional universities in the South. Bridgewater College has also achieved national recognition as a “Best Value” school by both Forbes and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, as well as being recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability by The Princeton Review.
The college’s academic programs are highly regarded, with Engineering, Business Administration and Education being some of the most popular majors among students. Bridgewater also offers an impressive array of extracurricular activities, including student organizations such as clubs, honor societies and service groups that allow students to explore their interests outside of academics. Students can choose from over 30 clubs and organizations, including music ensembles, theatre productions and student government activities. The college also offers many internship opportunities for students interested in gaining real-world experience in their field of study before graduating. Additionally, Bridgewater provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through research projects with faculty members across a variety of disciplines. This allows students to gain valuable experience that will help them succeed after graduation while still pursuing their studies at Bridgewater College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 142 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 74.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 59.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 56% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 3 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 184 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 57.7% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.8% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 14:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 88.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 196 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 920-1140 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 16% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 48% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 82.5% |
| Financial resources rank: | 209 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 135 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 23.8% |
Essential Facts: Bridgewater College
- At Bridgewater College, the disparity between men and women on campus is lower than the national average.
- Bridgewater College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,713, with a gender distribution of 45% male students and 55% female students. In sports, Bridgewater College is part of the NCAA III.
- Bridgewater is a private, Christian college located in Bridgewater, Virginia. Admissions is fairly competitive as the Bridgewater acceptance rate is 52%.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 83% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 60% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 88% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, honor code, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |