Choosing the right college or university can be a challenging decision, as there are various factors to consider. In this comparison, we will look closely at two institutions: Johnson & Wales University-Providence (JWU) and Bridgewater State University (BSU). We will compare their costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Overview
Johnson & Wales University-Providence is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1914, the university has grown to encompass four campuses across the United States. JWU is well-known for its culinary arts and hospitality programs, as well as its business, education, and health sciences programs.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Costs & Tuition
Tuition at JWU is $33,404 per year for full-time undergraduate students. Additional fees, such as room and board, books, and supplies, can add to this cost. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with 96% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Admissions
JWU has a 93% acceptance rate, making it relatively easy to gain admission. Prospective students must submit an online application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) to be considered for admission. The average high school GPA for accepted students is 3.27, and the middle 50% range for SAT scores is 980-1160.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Degrees Offered
JWU offers a wide range of degree programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Some of the most popular degree programs at JWU include culinary arts, hospitality management, business administration, marketing, and nursing.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Academics
JWU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring students receive personalized attention from their professors. The university has a strong focus on experiential learning, with many programs incorporating internships, research opportunities, and study abroad experiences.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Diversity
JWU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 80 countries. There are also numerous clubs and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and cultural understanding.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Students
JWU has a total enrollment of approximately 6,735 students, with 5,608 of those being undergraduate students. The university boasts a vibrant campus life, with over 100 clubs and organizations, numerous on-campus events, and a strong focus on community and civic engagement.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Campus
The campus of JWU is located in the heart of Providence, offering students access to a thriving urban environment with numerous cultural, dining, and entertainment options. The campus includes modern facilities, such as state-of-the-art culinary labs, a library, and various athletic facilities.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Alumni
Notable alumni of JWU include celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse and Tyler Florence, as well as numerous successful business owners and entrepreneurs.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Rankings
In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, JWU was ranked #80 in Regional Universities North and #29 in Best Value Schools.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Outcomes
According to the university, 91% of JWU graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for JWU graduates is $40,900.
Bridgewater State University Overview
Bridgewater State University is a public institution located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Established in 1840, BSU is one of the oldest and largest public institutions in Massachusetts. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as education, business, and the sciences.
Bridgewater State University Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, tuition at BSU is more affordable than private universities like JWU. For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state undergraduate students paid $10,732 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students paid $16,872. Room and board costs are approximately $12,500 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 70% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Bridgewater State University Admissions
BSU has an acceptance rate of 90%, making it relatively easy to gain admission. Prospective students must submit an online application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) to be considered for admission. The average high school GPA for accepted students is 3.15, and the middle 50% range for SAT scores is 970-1150.
Bridgewater State University Degrees Offered
BSU offers a wide range of degree programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Some of the most popular degree programs at BSU include education, business, psychology, criminal justice, and biology.
Bridgewater State University Academics
BSU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring students receive personalized attention from their professors. The university has a strong focus on research and experiential learning, with many programs incorporating internships, research opportunities, and study abroad experiences.
Bridgewater State University Diversity
BSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university has a diverse student body, with students representing various ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. There are numerous clubs and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and cultural understanding.
Bridgewater State University Students
BSU has a total enrollment of approximately 10,990 students, with 9,560 of those being undergraduate students. The university boasts a vibrant campus life, with over 100 clubs and organizations, numerous on-campus events, and a strong focus on community and civic engagement.
Bridgewater State University Campus
The campus of BSU is located in the suburban town of Bridgewater, offering students access to a peaceful and safe environment. The campus includes modern facilities, such as a state-of-the-art science center, a library, and various athletic facilities.
Bridgewater State University Alumni
Notable alumni of BSU include former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and author Dennis Lehane.
Bridgewater State University Rankings
In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, BSU was ranked #104 in Regional Universities North and #31 in Top Public Schools.
Bridgewater State University Outcomes
According to the university, 87% of BSU graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for BSU graduates is $42,000.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Bridgewater State University Cost Comparison
The most significant difference in costs between JWU and BSU comes down to their status as private and public institutions, respectively. Tuition at JWU is significantly higher than at BSU, with full-time undergraduate students paying $33,404 per year at JWU, compared to $10,732 for in-state students at BSU. Out-of-state students at BSU pay $16,872 in tuition, which is still much lower than JWU’s tuition.
Room and board costs are more similar between the two schools, with JWU students paying approximately $14,264 and BSU students paying around $12,500. Both schools offer financial aid to eligible students, which can help offset the cost differences.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Bridgewater State University Admissions Difficulty
Both JWU and BSU have relatively high acceptance rates, with JWU accepting 93% of applicants and BSU accepting 90%. This makes both schools relatively easy to gain admission to, although JWU is slightly less competitive. In terms of average high school GPA and SAT scores, the two schools are quite similar, with only slight differences in the middle 50% SAT score ranges.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Bridgewater State University Academic Difficulty
The academic difficulty of both JWU and BSU may be similar, as both schools have student-to-faculty ratios of 17:1, allowing for personalized attention from professors. Both schools also emphasize experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research, and study abroad experiences.
However, JWU is well-known for its culinary arts and hospitality programs, which may be more niche and specialized than the broader range of degree programs offered at BSU. As such, the academic difficulty may vary depending on the specific program or major chosen.
Johnson & Wales University-Providence vs Bridgewater State University Outcome Comparison
When comparing outcomes, the employment rate for JWU graduates is slightly higher than BSU graduates, with 91% of JWU alumni finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation, compared to 87% for BSU alumni. However, the average starting salary for BSU graduates is slightly higher, at $42,000, compared to $40,900 for JWU graduates.
In conclusion, both JWU and BSU offer unique programs and opportunities for students, with differences in cost, program offerings, and outcomes. Ultimately, the decision between these two schools will depend on individual priorities, such as financial considerations and the specific degree program desired.
