Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
BGSU
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus is a public institution in Bowling Green with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1118, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 12.3K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
63% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,896 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,918.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Falcons
History & Fun Facts
- •History 1800s–1920: Early history First known photograph of the campus, taken in 1910 before buildings were erected.
- •Bowling Green was chosen on November 10, 1910, over Van Wert in a 3–2 vote by the commission.
- •Over the years 1911 and 1912, the board of trustees was appointed by the Governor and elected a school president on February 16, 1912.
- •A campus plan was created and $150,000 was appropriated to develop the campus and construct the first buildings.
- •The first honorary organization of the college, the Book and Motor was conceived around this time.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1118
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
51.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Programs (261)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
80%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
82
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from OH state average