BSU vs. BGSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than BGSU based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 17,594 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Bowling Green State University Main Campus is in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1.

BSU vs. BGSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or BGSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ball State University than BGSU ($13,599 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 15% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($12,334 vs. $14,508).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $3,378 more per year; $14,460.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32% higher at BSU than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (about $7,182 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $22,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus than at Ball State University (96% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ball State University students is 42% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($13,218 vs. $9,310).

BSU vs. BGSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU or BGSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BGSU and BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 60 points higher than at BGSU (1110).
• Incoming BSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at BGSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); BGSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than BGSU (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 20.6% at BGSU.

BSU vs. BGSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and BGSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BGSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.