Bowling Green State University Main Campus

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Bowling Green, OH
  • 0 reviews
#6 Best Public Universities in Ohio

Overview

Total enrollment

17,594
Bowling Green State University Main Campus overview
Bowling Green State University Main Campus overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Bowling Green State University's main campus occupies 1,338 acres in Bowling Green, Ohio, located 25 miles south of Toledo in the state's northwest region. Founded in 1910 as a teacher training institution, BGSU has evolved into a comprehensive public university featuring a mix of traditional and modern architecture across its suburban campus. The university maintains strong academic programs in education, business, and media and communication, with its broadcast journalism program being particularly well-regarded. BGSU offers comprehensive on-campus housing options including traditional residence halls and suite-style accommodations, with first-year students required to live on campus. As a member of the Mid-American Conference, the BGSU Falcons compete in NCAA Division I athletics, with the university's hockey program competing in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

Ratings

BGSU is rated within the lower 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    5 out of 10
  • Academics
    5 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    5 out of 10
  • Value
    2 out of 10

Rankings

Rankings for Bowling Green State University Main Campus within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate
Bowling Green State University Main Campus admission standards
  • SAT 1000/1210
  • ACT 19/26
  • GPA 3.6

Acceptance Rate

81%
Bowling Green State University Main Campus applications overview
  • Applications Due Jul 15, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 20.6%
  • Application Fee $45

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Ohio Resident Tuition

$14,460

Out of State Resident Tuition

$22,448

Breakdown

In State Costs for Bowling Green State University Main Campus
  • Tuition $14,460
  • Books and Supplies $800
  • Other Fees $2,500
  • Room and Board $14,508
  • Budget for Other Expenses $3,600
  • Total One Year Cost $35,868

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$43,600 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

58% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Bowling Green State University Main Campus are Education, Business, and Visual and Performing Arts. 19% of students major in Education, 14% in Business, and 10% in Visual and Performing Arts.

  • Education 19%
  • Business 14%
  • Visual and Performing Arts 10%
  • Health Professions 9%
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Bowling Green State University Main Campus are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=201441.

GPA calculator: Bowling Green State University Main Campus GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026