Overview

Bridgewater College is an independent, private liberal arts college founded in 1880. Located only two hours southwest of the Washington, D.C. metro area, Bridgewater has a total enrollment of more than 1,650 students.

Academic Programs

Bridgewater offers bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees in more than 60 majors and minors, with especially strong programs in business, education, communications, the sciences and dual degree offerings such as engineering with Virginia Tech and The George Washington University. Bridgewater’s pre-professional programs include medicine and law, and teacher certification for PreK-12 is available.

Recognition and Results

Bridgewater College is one of “the best colleges in the southeast United States”, according to The Princeton Review.

Recent graduates of Bridgewater College have careers with companies like Disney, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Dell and Merck, and are in graduate programs at such schools as Yale, Princeton, Oxford, Johns Hopkins and Wake Forest.

Safe Community, Friendly Campus, Near Washington, D.C.

Bridgewater College is located in Bridgewater, Virginia. The town (approximate population of 5,300) is about a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. and international airports.

Situated in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bridgewater is extremely safe and comfortable, and is close to larger cities, including Harrisonburg, Charlottesville and Richmond.

Students are welcomed by a group of friendly, caring people who become their teachers, mentors and friends. Bridgewater is often described as a “home away from home.”

The Bridgewater Experience

Bridgewater students develop intellectually, socially and ethically. Students at Bridgewater College learn about a variety of disciplines, enabling them to become articulate, analytical and assertive. Students become strong writers and public speakers; are able to communicate their thoughts and ideas to a wide variety of people; work effectively as part of a team; and, most importantly, develop the skills needed to lead productive and impactful lives and careers.

Bridgewater College students combine their important coursework in the liberal arts with rigorous, focused studies in the major(s) of their choice, resulting in powerful experiences and resumes with which to seek employment or admission to graduate school. They also collaborate with faculty to create personalized and unique learning experiences.

Fun Activities

With more than 70 social, cultural, religious, and academic clubs and organizations, there is an opportunity for everyone to be involved on campus. In addition, a wide variety of free weekend activities are available to students. Events range from comedians and musicians to Homecoming festivities and the Springfest Carnival.

Many students are also kept busy by athletic pursuits, with many students participating in Division III sports teams and intramural and club sports.

International Students

Bridgewater College warmly welcomes students from around the world to experience the opportunities and personal attention offered in this small, undergraduate setting.

To make the transition to the U.S. seamless, international students benefit from airport pick‑up services; an orientation for international students; assistance with immigration, academics, internships, job and graduate school placements; and a signature program that connects them with local American families for support and cultural immersion.

International Students should submit the following documents when applying to Bridgewater College:

1. A completed application form—online (no charge) or paper ($30).
2. Official records from secondary school and post-secondary school, with English translations.
3. Certified bank statement verifying financial support for one academic year.
4. English language proficiency results with the following minimum scores: TOEFL: 550 (paper), 213 (computer), 79 (internet-based); IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 60.
5. Personal Statement (250-word minimum) written in English.
6. Photocopy of front page (photo page) of passport.
7. For transfer students: a Dean’s Reference form from each U.S. college or university.
8. For transfer students: a WES evaluation for all previous college or university coursework.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements may be conditionally admitted to Bridgewater College, provided they enroll in and successfully complete an approved English language training program.