The second cohort of students able to take advantage of Bridgewater College‘s tuition transparency initiative was welcomed for fall semester.
More than 500 new students entered the college with an undergraduate tuition price that more accurately reflects the true cost of a private college education.
The college also welcomed a class of full-time undergraduate students who are all 100 percent receiving financial assistance.
“Too many families think that a private college education is unaffordable. Here at Bridgewater, we have demonstrated that it can be within reach. We’re thrilled that students and families are taking a closer look at Bridgewater and seeing the value in a high-quality and affordable private college education,” Bridgewater College President Dr. David Bushman said.
Incoming students for fall 2025 include 72 transfer students, the second largest number of transfer students in one semester. Many of them come to Bridgewater from Blue Ridge Community College in nearby Weyers Cave.
“We welcome all the new students into the Bridgewater family. Our faculty, coaches, staff and returning students all look forward to helping the newest Eagles build the connections that will see them through their academic careers and beyond,” said Dr. Leslie Frere, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the College welcomes 527 new students, including first-year, transfer and graduate students. The new Eagles hail from 181 different high schools and 37 different colleges in 17 different states and two countries. Thirty new students have joined the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band, which was invited to perform in Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade last fall.
The top choice of majors for the new students are business administration, health and exercise science, biology, elementary education and engineering. Students can also pursue studies in one of three new undergraduate majors: criminology, game design, international security and diplomacy, or a new Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management.
Other facts about the Class of 2029 are that 37 percent are first-generation college students, 37 percent are Pell-eligible and 13 percent are part of the College’s Flory Honors program, which requires a strong academic record.
Founded in 1880, Bridgewater College is a private, four-year liberal arts college in the Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Bridgewater College is home to approximately 1,450 students pursuing degrees in more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors and four graduate programs housed within three distinct schools.
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Rebecca Barnabi
