NDSU vs. BGSU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND 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 NDSU based on total student enrollment (17,594 students vs. 11,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Dakota State University Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting); Bowling Green State University Main Campus is in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus 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: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1.

NDSU vs. BGSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than BGSU ($15,596 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 31.6% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($9,928 vs. $14,508).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is 30.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $3,350 more per year; $14,460.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.4% higher at BGSU than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $6,684 more per year; $22,448.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowling Green State University Main Campus than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (96% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students is 45.3% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($9,310 vs. $6,409).

NDSU vs. BGSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU 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 NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (1110) is 20 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming NDSU 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: North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - 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: NDSU Aug 1, 2027; BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at NDSU (3.53).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than BGSU (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 20.6% at BGSU.

NDSU vs. BGSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus's (54%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than BGSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $2,700 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($23,300 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BGSU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.