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Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green, OH·Public·12,255 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Ohio residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 12,255 students.

81%
Accept
12,255
Students
$20,918
Net Price
63%
Grad Rate
$45,300
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

Bowling Green State University is a public institution located in Bowling Green, Ohio with approximately 12,255 undergraduate students enrolled. Bowling Green State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,918 per year. The graduation rate is 63%, and the typical graduate earns $45,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a public research university in Bowling Green, Ohio, United States. The 1,338-acre (541.5 ha) main academic and residential campus is 15 miles (24 km) south of Toledo, Ohio. The institution was granted a charter in 1910 as a normal school, specializing in teacher training and education. The university has developed from a small rural normal school into a comprehensive public research university. It is a part of the University System of Ohio and is currently classified as R2: Doctoral Universities with high research activity.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: with an 81% acceptance rate and an affordable average net price of $20,918/year, BGSU is accessible and reasonably priced, and the relatively low median debt of $17,500 at graduation is a genuine plus. However, the 63% graduation rate is a real concern — meaning roughly 1 in 3 students who start here don't finish — and median earnings of $45,300 a decade out are modest, so you'll want to research outcomes specifically for your intended major. Worth considering if you're drawn to education, have a clear plan to stay on track, and want an in-state Ohio school without a crushing debt load.

Founded
1910
Setting
Fringe town
Mascot
Freddie and Frieda Falcon

Popular Programs

Education21%
Business & Marketing14%
Health Professions9%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences4%
Psychology4%
Engineering3%
English3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

James BaldwinTim ConwayEva Marie SaintRobert PatrickAnthony DoerrScott HamiltonJames Pickens Jr.Nate ThurmondTim RyanDave WottleRichaun HolmesMarian McPartland

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1118
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,081
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,070
Avg Net Price
$20,918
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
63%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White80%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (12,255 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bowling Green State University

220 McFall Ctr

Bowling Green, OH 43403

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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