WCVB, MassLive, The Enterprise and Boston.com were among the media outlets that covered a surprise gift from honorary degree recipient Robert Hale Jr. Hale, the founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, gave each graduate in attendance $1,000: $500 for themselves and $500 to donate a cause or person who needs it more than they do.
Excellence in Education, Since 1840
For more than 184 years, Bridgewater State University has been transforming lives, helping all of our students get an outstanding education, begin rewarding careers and lift up their families. BSU 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. BSU 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. BSU 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.
Bridgewater State University 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
9,727
undergrad and grad students
94%
full-time faculty holding doctorates or other terminal degrees
Visiting Campus
At Bridgewater State University, we offer a full array of options to see our beautiful campus.
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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.
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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.
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BSU is a regional catalyst for promoting civic responsibility and engagement for residents of Massachusetts and beyond.
