Bridgewater vs. Brown University

Attribute	Bridgewater	Brown University
Location	Bridgewater, Massachusetts	Providence, Rhode Island
Founded	1840	1764
Type	Public	Private
Endowment	$50 million	$4.2 billion
Undergraduate Enrollment	Approx. 8,000	Approx. 7,000

Location

Bridgewater State University is located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, a small town in the southeastern part of the state. The campus is situated in a suburban setting, providing a quiet and peaceful environment for students to focus on their studies. On the other hand, Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, a bustling city with a vibrant arts and culture scene. The urban setting of Brown University offers students easy access to museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

Size

Bridgewater State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 9,000 students, making it a medium-sized university. The student-to-faculty ratio at Bridgewater is 16:1, allowing for personalized attention from professors. In contrast, Brown University is a smaller institution with an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 7,000 students. The student-to-faculty ratio at Brown is 6:1, providing students with even more opportunities for close interaction with faculty members.

Academic Programs

Bridgewater State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, business, and the arts. The university is known for its strong teacher education program and its commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences. Brown University, on the other hand, is renowned for its liberal arts curriculum and its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Brown offers more than 80 concentrations for undergraduate students to choose from, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests.

Admissions

Admission to Bridgewater State University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 80%. The university looks for students who have demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to their community. Brown University, on the other hand, is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 8%. Brown looks for students who not only have excellent academic records but also show a passion for learning and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Campus Life

Bridgewater State University offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities for students to participate in. The university also has a strong athletic program, with 22 NCAA Division III teams. Brown University, on the other hand, has a rich and diverse campus life with over 300 student organizations and clubs. Brown is also known for its commitment to sustainability and social justice, with many students actively involved in community service and advocacy work.

Cost

The cost of attending Bridgewater State University for in-state students is around $25,000 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $30,000 per year. Brown University, on the other hand, is a private institution with a higher tuition cost. The total cost of attendance at Brown is around $75,000 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board. However, Brown offers generous financial aid packages to help offset the cost for students with demonstrated need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bridgewater State University and Brown University are both excellent institutions with their own unique attributes. Bridgewater offers a more affordable option with a focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences. Brown, on the other hand, provides a more selective and prestigious academic environment with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and social justice. Ultimately, the choice between the two universities will depend on the individual student's academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences.