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Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a four-year, public, research institution located in Bowling Green, Ohio. Established in 1910, it was originally chartered as a normal school specializing in teacher training and education. It is now part of the University System of Ohio. The main academic and residential campus spans 15 miles and is just south of Toledo, Ohio.


Overview of Bowling Green State University (BGSU)


As a premier, inclusive learning community focused on developing, transforming, and impacting individuals and communities through learning, collaboration, and discovery, Bowling Green State University provides holistic and comprehensive educational experiences. The university strives to drive public good through redefining student success in research, creative activities, partnerships, and engagement. It also encourages interaction with people in the local and global communities while offering opportunities to utilize efficient and effective processes, structures, and technologies.

The student population is 18,142, with the majority enrolled in undergraduate programs. Bowling Green State University employs 721 full-time and 297 part-time faculty members, as well as 950 graduate assistants providing instruction and research support. As a result, the student-faculty is ratio 19:1. While class sizes vary, it is relatively easy for students to seek and receive one-on-one attention from professors.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Town: Fringe
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 17:1
Graduation Rate 62%
Year Founded 1910

Student Enrollment


Total Students17,733

Undergraduate
15,103
Graduate
2,630

Undergraduate Student

Male 6,645
6,645
Female 8,458
8,458

Graduate Student

Male 1,157
1,157
Female 1,473
1,473

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BGSU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS17,341

Male 6,874
Female 10,467

ACCEPTANCE13,006

Male 5,156
Female 7,955

Acceptance Rate75%

Male 75%
Female 76%

Enrollment 3,121

Male 1,290
Female 1,831
Admissions
Application Fee $45
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Considered but not Required
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline December 1
Common Application Accepted No

BGSU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Bowling Green State University strives to keep the cost of higher education within reach by offering lower fees, financial aid options, payment plans, and student employment opportunities. Currently, Ohio residents pay $12,547 in tuition and fees per year. The cost is the same for non-residents, although they are also responsible for paying a non-resident fee of $7,988. Students living on campus will also need to pay for room and board, which is an additional $6,170 per year. A standard meal plan also costs $3,720, although this is not required and other options are available.

Every student who applies is a candidate for financial aid. Once admitted, the institution begins offering scholarships based on credentials and reaches out to students with additional opportunities when available. Bowling Green State University also has an Honors College, which maximizes scholarship potential. In total, 90% of new students receive some type of financial assistance, which can be used to pay for instructional and general fees, non-resident fees, room, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses. The institution also recommends all prospective students submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $17,580
Average Total Aid $7,539
Students Receiving Financial Aid 95%
Room & Board $9,168

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $11,316
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $19,305
  • Books and Supplies - $727
  • Room & Board - $9,168
  • Other - $3,976

Academics


Bowling Green State University offers a number of major degree programs for undergraduates, as well as over 175 graduate programs spanning 75 subject areas. Programs for working professionals are also available, as well as accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as five years. Additionally, the institution has several graduate degree and certificate programs that are 100% online.

Students can choose from the following colleges:

  • Arts and Sciences
  • Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business
  • Education and Human Development
  • Health and Human Services
  • Musical Arts
  • Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering

The retention rate for first-time, full-time, undergraduate freshmen who began their studies in 2019 was 79%. This is well above the national average retention rate of 68%. Part-time bachelor’s students had a retention rate that was slightly lower, totaling 68%. These numbers indicate that the majority of students enrolled at the university were happy with their overall experience.

Graduation rates also indicate that Bowling Green State University students complete their degrees on time. The graduation rate for full-time, first-time, undergraduate degree-seeking freshmen who began their studies in fall 2014 was 62%. The transfer-out rate was 24% for the same time frame. Commonly known as the “Student Right to Know”, graduation and transfer-out rates show how frequently students complete their degrees or certificate programs within a standard amount of time. Only 44% of the 2014 class finished their programs within four years, while 61% finished within six years.

Student Population Total


Student Population 17,733

Undergraduate
15,103
Graduate
2,630
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Education Majors 548 Total Graduates / 18%
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs 184 Graduates
Education, Other 155 Graduates
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels 74 Graduates
Special Education and Teaching, General 57 Graduates
All Business Majors 470 Total Graduates / 15%
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 100 Graduates
Accounting 87 Graduates
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management 86 Graduates
Finance, General 59 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 322 Total Graduates / 10%
Health and Wellness, General 66 Graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 63 Graduates
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General 45 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other 45 Graduates
Visual and Performing Arts 192 Total Graduates / 6%
Film/Cinema/Media Studies 31 Graduates
Fine/Studio Arts, General 29 Graduates
Design and Visual Communications, General 28 Graduates
Fashion/Apparel Design 28 Graduates
All Biological & Biomedical Majors 138 Total Graduates / 4%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 123 Graduates
Neuroscience 9 Graduates
Microbiology, General 6 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology 138 Total Graduates / 4%
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 83 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies 55 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 42%

Outcome & Salary


The majority of students enrolled at Bowling Green State University graduate. Of the full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates who entered the institution in the 2012-2013 academic year, 56% of them received bachelor’s degrees. The school’s Office of Academic Assessment also compiles placement and salary information via a graduation survey six months after commencement. According to data collected, 80-100% of graduates achieved employment after completing their programs. Some exceptions include Master of Art and Master of Public Administration.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $49,600
College Grads Average Salary $65,810
College Grads Mid Career Salary $92,500
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $658,100
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,583,100
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $70,320
10 Year Projected ROI $587,780
20 Year Projected ROI $1,512,780
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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