BGSU vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH with West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia University is larger than BGSU based on total student enrollment (23,643 students vs. 17,594 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is located in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting); West Virginia University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

BGSU vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BGSU or WVU? 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 West Virginia University than BGSU ($15,169 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowling Green State University Main Campus are 0.5% lower than at West Virginia University ($14,508 vs. $14,582).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $4,356 more per year; $14,460.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.4% higher at WVU than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (about $6,160 more per year; $28,608.00 vs. $22,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus than at West Virginia University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University students is 32.8% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($12,363 vs. $9,310).

BGSU vs. WVU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BGSU or WVU? 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 WVU and BGSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Virginia University (1120) is 10 points higher than at BGSU (1110).
• Incoming WVU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at BGSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BGSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); WVU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WVU (3.45).
• WVU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than BGSU (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at BGSU vs. 24.8% at WVU.

BGSU vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BGSU and WVU? 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 West Virginia University's (57%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than BGSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University graduates have a $1,999 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($24,001 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WVU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More WVU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BGSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.