Bridgewater State University

Located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University offers two aviation bachelor’s degree paths and one minor. The programs emphasize critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as oral and written communication skills.

Program Highlights

Bridgewater State University is an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school and flight operations are conducted at the New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB), about a 30-minute drive from the main campus. Due to the driving distance, first-year aviation students are the only freshmen allowed to have vehicles on campus.

Programs offered include:

• Bachelor of Science
  • Aviation Science, Aviation Management Concentration
  • Aviation Science, Flight Training Concentration
• Minor
  • Aviation Science

The university has partnerships with multiple airlines and associations to provide well-defined paths to an industry career. Some of those connections include:

● JetBlue Airlines
● Cape Air
● Endeavor Airlines

Bridgewater State University’s aviation program is one of only 40 schools with an AABI accreditation. The school is also part of Region 7 of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

Value

Bridgewater State University’s tuition on the higher side when it comes to base tuition. For an in-state student opting for full tuition and room and board, the total bill will come in around $24,000 per year. Out-of-state students will be asked to come up with about $34,000.

While the base tuition may be higher than average, the flight costs at Bridgewater State University are lower than most flight schools. To complete their entire flight program, Bridgewater estimates students will pay about $50,000.

The university offers scholarships to help mitigate the cost of tuition and flight, including the:

● John And Abigail Adams Scholarship Program
● Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship
● Massachusetts Cash Grant Program

The school also accepts veteran’s benefits such as the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon.

Fleet and Facilities

Bridgewater State University hosts a traditional flight training fleet, which includes:

● Cessna 172s
● Piper Arrows

The university also houses simulators for students to train on, Two Redbird LD AATDs and One Redbird FMX.

The Flying Bears flight team, consisting of about a dozen BSU students, participates in collegiate aviation competitions. The team is part of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

Graduates from BSU’s Part 141 flight training program may be eligible for the restricted ATP.

Campus Life

Bridgewater State University offers on-campus housing to students. The school has 11 different residence halls for students to choose from. In addition, students have seven different on-campus dining options.

The university welcomes student athletes to compete in 10 men’s and 12 women’s NCAA Division III sports, which include swimming, football, and soccer. There are also intramural sports for students that want athletics that are a bit less competitive.

BSU offers other engaging on campus activities like student clubs and organizations, student leadership, and student media. Bridgewater State is also committed to providing students with a variety of service opportunities.

The Bottom Line

Bridgewater State University is able to offer aviation students a Part 141 program with lots of industry connections. The low cost of flight training makes the program competitive. Students who attend BSU will also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional college life with clubs, sports, and other on-campus activities.