Bowling Green State University
About Bowling Green State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bowling Green State University is a public university in Bowling Green, Ohio. It is known for its education, business, and communication programs and has a large residential campus with a strong student life culture.
Founded
1910
Location
Bowling Green, Ohio
Students
15,623
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
81%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
63.7%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$14,460
Out-of-state: $22,448
Avg Net Price
$24,022
After financial aid
SAT Average
1117
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,896
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$45
Early
Mar 1
Regular
Rolling
Bowling Green State University accepts the majority of applicants at 81%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1117/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
63.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
81.6%
4-Year Grad
46%
6-Year Grad
61%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
70.9%
$/Student
$11.8K
Class Size
Medium
While 46% finish in 4 years, 81.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,460
In-State
$22,448
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,508
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$33,007
After Financial Aid
$24,022
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$18,396
Receive Grants
23.1%
Take Loans
47.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $33,007/yr for in-state students, including $14,508 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $24,022. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,448.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bowling Green State University fund their education.
While in School
23.1%
Get Grants
Free money
47.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$63,845
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $48K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bowling Green State University.
Gender
56.9%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
12,812
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,811
Graduates
30.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 30.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
12,812
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bowling Green State University fields 13 varsity teams with 492 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mid-American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
492
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
232
Men
260
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bowling Green State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,896
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Special Education and Teaching
$39K
203 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$40K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$28K
127 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$32K
124 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$61K
122 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
121 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $48K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bowling Green State University
What is the acceptance rate at Bowling Green State University?▾
How much does Bowling Green State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bowling Green State University?▾
How much do Bowling Green State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.