EIU vs. BGSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowling Green State University Main Campus is larger than EIU based on total student enrollment (17,594 students vs. 8,505 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Bowling Green State University Main Campus is in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Eastern Illinois 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: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1.

EIU vs. BGSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than BGSU ($13,787 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 15.3% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($12,282 vs. $14,508).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $781 more per year; $14,460.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.4% higher at BGSU than at Eastern Illinois University (about $6,231 more per year; $22,448.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus than at Eastern Illinois University (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 39.2% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($12,960 vs. $9,310).

EIU vs. BGSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (1110) is 120 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - 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 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at EIU (3.39).
• BGSU has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 20.6% at BGSU.

EIU vs. BGSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Bowling Green State University Main Campus's (58%).
• Graduates from Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of about $100 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $2,350 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($23,650 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($244 vs. $268).
• More EIU 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.