Getting in
For Fall 2025, 21,938 first-year students applied to Bowling Green, 17,836 were admitted and 3,577 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 81.3%.
Source: BGSU Common Data Set 2025-2026, Main Campus (dashboard) (opens in a new tab), section C1 (main campus). Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. BGSU's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the main campus, with no rate by college or major.
Source: BGSU Common Data Set 2025-2026, Main Campus (dashboard) (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Early plans. BGSU has no early decision or early action plan.
Source: BGSU Common Data Set 2025-2026, Main Campus (dashboard) (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
You apply to BGSU. Several programs have their own step or standard:
- Aviation Flight Operations. A secondary review by the program after you are admitted, with essay questions due December 9, 2026 for Fall 2027. Space is limited and there is no waitlist; students not admitted move to aviation management operations.
- College of Musical Arts. An audition, in person (highly preferred) or by recorded video, for every student who wishes to major or minor in music, as well as the BGSU application.
- Musical Theatre. An audition, in person (highly preferred) or recorded, to be accepted to the major.
- Computer Science and Software Engineering. Direct admission with an SAT math score of 550, an ACT math score of 22, or MATH 1220 (College Algebra) with a C or better, plus high grades in high school math. Otherwise you start in pre-computer science or software engineering.
- Forensic Science (DNA Analysis, Drug Analysis, Examination). A 3.75 high school GPA or higher. Otherwise some students are offered pre-forensic science and others move to the Deciding Students Program.
- Schmidthorst College of Business. Direct admission with at least an 18 ACT total and 18 ACT math, or an SAT total of 970 and 500 math; test optional: a 3.0 GPA and a C or better in Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Otherwise you start in the Pre-Business Program.
- Nursing. Direct admission with a 3.75 high school GPA and ACT 23 (or equivalent), or a 3.95 GPA for test-optional students; apply for direct admission by January 15. You must keep a 3.5 BGSU GPA to hold the seat.
- Honors College. Selective, with its own application after you are admitted to the university.
Source: BGSU Admissions, Freshman Application Instructions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
144 majors across 6 schools. Every bachelor's degree program in BGSU's official 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog for the Bowling Green campus, grouped by the college that offers it, with the degree it leads to. BGSU lists each specialization as its own program, and so does this list. Minors, certificates, associate degrees, online-only and degree-completion programs, and BGSU Firelands programs are left out.
College of Arts and Sciences68
- Advertising (B.A.)
- Art Education (BFA)
- Art (B.A.)
- Art, Specialization in Digital Arts (B.A.)
- Art, Specialization in Studio (B.A.)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) + X (B.S.)
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS)
- Bachelor of Science In Fire Administration (BSFA)
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Specialization in Public Relations (BSJ)
- Biology (B.A.)
- Biology (B.S.)
- Biology, Specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology (B.S.)
- Biology, Specialization in Marine and Aquatic Biology (B.A.)
- Biology, Specialization in Marine and Aquatic Biology (B.S.)
- Biology, Specialization in Pre-Health (B.S.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Specialization in Biochemistry (B.S.)
- Communication (B.A.)
- Communication (BAC)
- Computer Science (B.A.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Computer Science, Specialization in Computational Data Science (B.S.)
- Computer Science, Specialization in Cybersecurity (B.A.)
- Computer Science, Specialization in Cybersecurity (B.S.)
- Creative Writing (BFA)
- Digital Arts (BFA)
- English (B.A.)
- Environmental Science (B.S.)
- Environmental Studies (B.A.)
- Environmental Studies, Environmental Resilience and Climate Change Specialization (B.A.)
- Film (B.A.)
- Forensic Science, Specialization in Forensic DNA Analysis (B.S.)
- Forensic Science, Specialization in Forensic Drug Analysis (B.S.)
- Forensic Science, Specialization in Forensic Examination (B.S.)
- Geology (B.S.)
- Geology, Specialization in Paleobiology (B.S.)
- Graphic Design (BFA)
- History (B.A.)
- Individualized Planned Program (B.A.)
- International Studies (B.A.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Mathematics, Specialization in Actuarial Science (B.S.)
- Mathematics, Specialization in Applied Mathematics (B.S.)
- Mathematics, Specialization in Data Science (B.S.)
- Media Production and Studies, Specialization in Media Production (B.A.)
- Media Production and Studies, Specialization in Media Studies (B.A.)
- Microbiology (B.S.)
- Neuroscience (B.S.)
- Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL) (B.A.)
- Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL), Specialization in Philosophy (B.A.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Software Engineering (B.S.)
- Studio (BFA)
- Theatre (B.A.)
- Theatre (BAC)
- Theatre, Specialization in Acting/Directing (BAC)
- Theatre, Specialization in Design/Technical Theatre (BAC)
- Theatre, Specialization in Musical Theatre (BAC)
- Theatre, Specialization in Youth Theatre (BAC)
- World Languages and Cultures, Specialization in Classics (B.A.)
- World Languages and Cultures, Specialization in French (B.A.)
- World Languages and Cultures, Specialization in German (B.A.)
- World Languages and Cultures, Specialization in Latin American Culture Studies (B.A.)
- World Languages and Cultures, Specialization in Russian (B.A.)
- World Languages and Cultures, Specialization in Spanish (B.A.)
Source: BGSU 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Colleges (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business14
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Accounting (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Applied Business Economics (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Business Analytics and Intelligence (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Finance (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Human Resource Management (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Individualized Business (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Information Systems (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in International Business (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Management (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Marketing (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Risk Management and Insurance (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Sales and Services Marketing (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Specialization in Supply Chain Management (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Economics (BSE)
Source: BGSU 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Colleges (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Education and Human Development19
- Adolescence to Young Adult/Secondary Education (BSED)
- Adolescence to Young Adult/Secondary Education, Specialization in Integrated Language Arts (BSED)
- Adolescence to Young Adult/Secondary Education, Specialization in Integrated Mathematics (BSED)
- Adolescence to Young Adult/Secondary Education, Specialization in Integrated Science (BSED)
- Adolescence to Young Adult/Secondary Education, Specialization in Integrated Social Studies (BSED)
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science (BSHDFS)
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BSID)
- Career Tech Workforce Education (BSED)
- Career Tech Workforce Education, Specialization in Business and Marketing Education (BSED)
- Career Tech Workforce Education, Specialization in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (BSED)
- Exercise Science (BSED)
- Fashion Merchandising and Product Development (BSFMPD)
- Inclusive PreK-5 Education (BSED)
- Individualized Studies (BSED)
- Middle Childhood Education (BSED)
- Physical Education and Health Education (BSED)
- Special Education (BSED)
- Sport Management (BSED)
- Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (BSED)
Source: BGSU 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Colleges (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Health and Human Services15
- Allied Health (BSAH)
- Applied Health Science, Specialization in Allied Health (BAHS)
- Applied Health Science, Specialization in Health Science (BAHS)
- Applied Health Science, Specialization in Pre-pharmacy (BAHS)
- Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (BSD)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Specialization in Long Term Care (BSHCA)
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Concentration in Environmental Health (BSPH)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Concentration in Health Promotion (BSPH)
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
- Communication Disorders (BSCD)
- Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- Criminal Justice, Specialization in Forensic Investigations (BSCJ)
- Nursing (BSN)
Source: BGSU 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Colleges (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Musical Arts13
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry (BAMI)
- Music Education (B.M.)
- Music Education, Specialization in Choral (B.M.)
- Music Education, Specialization in Classroom/General Music (B.M.)
- Music Education, Specialization in Instrumental (B.M.)
- Music Performance (B.M.)
- Music Performance, Specialization in Instrumental (B.M.)
- Music Performance, Specialization in Jazz (B.M.)
- Music Performance, Specialization in Piano (B.M.)
- Music Performance, Specialization in Vocal Pedagogy (B.M.)
- Music Performance, Specialization in Voice (B.M.)
- Music Performance, Specialization in Woodwind Specialist (B.M.)
- World Music (B.M.)
Source: BGSU 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Colleges (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Engineering and Innovation15
- Architecture and Environmental Design (BSArch)
- Aviation Studies (BSAvi)
- Aviation Studies, Specialization in Aviation Management and Operations (BSAvi)
- Aviation Studies, Specialization in Flight Technology and Operations (BSAvi)
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Operations (BSAFO)
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management (BSAVM)
- Construction Management (BSCM)
- Electronics and Computer Engineering (BSECE)
- Engineering Technology (BSET)
- Management and Technology (BST)
- Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (BSMME)
- Quality Systems (BST)
- Robotics Engineering (BSROBO)
- Systems Engineering (BSSE)
- Visual Communication Technology (BST)
Source: BGSU 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Colleges (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall application | March 1, to assure consideration | not published | No |
BGSU encourages high school students to apply starting July 1 between junior and senior year, and to have the application and all credentials in by March 1 to assure consideration for fall. It does not publish a decision date. The application fee is $45. Program steps above have their own dates.
Source: BGSU Admissions, Freshman Application Instructions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
BGSU's pages disagree, so ask admissions before you rely on either. Its Test Optional page says applications can be reviewed without scores, that a score you send is not considered if you apply test optional, and that BGSU superscores, but it names only the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 terms. Its freshman application instructions, updated August 2026, still list official ACT or SAT results as required of all freshmen, while setting test-optional standards for business and nursing on the same page.
Source: BGSU Admissions, Test Optional (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked Bowling Green's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: BGSU Admissions, Freshman Application Instructions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at Bowling Green, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (out-of-state includes the $7,990 non-resident fee) | $14,774 | $22,764 |
| Fees | $730 | $730 |
| Housing (on campus) | $8,160 | $8,160 |
| Food (on campus) | $6,016 | $6,016 |
| Books and supplies | $860 | $860 |
| Loan fees | $40 | $40 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Transportation | $920 | $920 |
| Total | $33,900 | $41,890 |
For a new undergraduate on the Bowling Green campus living on campus, at the Falcon Tuition Guarantee rate for the 2026-27 cohort, locked for up to four years. Housing is the average across BGSU's on-campus options, not the amount you are charged, and food is an estimate for three meals a day.
Source: BGSU Financial Aid, Cost of Attendance (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $18,396 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $18,547 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $21,820 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $25,741 |
| Over $110,000 | $27,414 |
| All incomes | $24,022 |
What first-year, full-time, in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from BGSU's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to Bowling Green State University on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
University of CincinnatiCincinnati, OH · Public88% admitted$25,648 average net price
Ohio UniversityAthens, OH · Public85% admitted$21,637 average net price
Miami UniversityOxford, OH · Public75.4% admitted$28,384 average net price
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI · Public83.2% admitted$19,680 average net price
Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI · Public83.6% admitted$12,766 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.