WSU vs. BGSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than BGSU based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 17,594 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Bowling Green State University Main Campus is in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Wayne 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: Wayne State University 14:1; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1.

WSU vs. BGSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wayne State University than BGSU ($14,416 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 1.8% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($14,252 vs. $14,508).
• Wayne State University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BGSU (about $730 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $14,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at WSU than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (about $9,589 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $22,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 39.1% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($12,953 vs. $9,310).

WSU vs. BGSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 60 points higher than at BGSU (1110).
• Incoming WSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at BGSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - 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: WSU Aug 1, 2027; BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BGSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than BGSU (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 20.6% at BGSU.

WSU vs. BGSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than BGSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $3,742 lower median loan debt than BGSU graduates ($22,258 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BGSU graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More BGSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 38%)

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.