Bowling Green State University (BGSU), located in Bowling Green, Ohio, is a prominent public research university known for its strong commitment to academic excellence and student-centered learning. Established in 1910, BGSU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including education, business, arts, and sciences. The university's mission emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills, and its motto, "The Future is Yours," reflects its dedication to empowering students to take charge of their educational journeys and future careers.

The campus environment at BGSU is vibrant and inclusive, promoting a sense of community among its diverse student body. With a mix of traditional and modern facilities, the university is well-equipped to support student life, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, research laboratories, and recreational facilities. BGSU also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 300 student organizations, a robust athletics program, and various cultural events that enrich the student experience. The university's commitment to student success is evident in its career services and strong alumni network, which helps graduates secure rewarding employment opportunities across different sectors. In recent years, BGSU has made headlines for its innovative research initiatives and community engagement efforts, further solidifying its position as a leading institution in higher education.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

Bowling Green State University has shown significant changes in its tuition fees over the years, particularly for in-state undergraduate students, whose fees rose from $10,726 in 2014 to $13,639 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 27% within a decade. Conversely, out-of-state fees have surged even more dramatically, reaching $21,132 in 2023 from $18,034 in 2014, which equates to an increase of about 17%. This rising cost of attendance may pose challenges for prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, impacting their ability to enroll.

In terms of academic performance, the graduation rates have shown a positive trend, with the on-time graduation rate climbing from around 36% in 2013 to approximately 44% in 2023. This increase indicates improved academic support and student engagement, which are crucial for student success. The 150% graduation rate also reflects a similar upward trajectory, rising from about 60% to nearly 61% in the same period.

Retention rates, which gauge the ability of the university to keep students enrolled from one year to the next, have remained relatively stable, with a slight decline from around 79% in 2021 to approximately 77% in 2023. While these rates remain high, the slight decrease may warrant attention to ensure that students continue to feel supported throughout their academic journey.

Overall, these trends suggest that while Bowling Green State University is effectively increasing its graduation rates, it must carefully manage tuition hikes and focus on maintaining high retention rates to ensure that students can afford to stay and succeed at the institution.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Bowling Green State University

The graduation data from Bowling Green State University reveals distinct trends across various fields of study for the year 2023. Notably, the Business Administration program stands out with a significant number of master's degrees awarded—267 in total, with 5 of these conferred to international students. This highlights the program's strong appeal, particularly to those seeking advanced education in a competitive global market.

In the field of Education, two specialized programs also show noteworthy outcomes. The Early Childhood Special Education program awarded 151 bachelor's degrees, with 1 going to an international student, while another unspecified education program granted 98 bachelor's degrees, also with 1 international recipient. This suggests a solid commitment to training educators, likely reflecting the growing emphasis on inclusive education.

Health-related programs, particularly Registered Nursing, awarded 101 bachelor's degrees but reported no master's or doctoral degrees. This could indicate a high demand for nursing professionals, particularly in light of the ongoing global health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of nursing education in addressing public health needs.

Interestingly, most other disciplines, especially in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, reported no graduates at all. This could suggest a need for universities to reassess the demand and support for these programs, as well as the potential impact of societal changes on student enrollment decisions.

Overall, these trends reflect broader educational priorities and labor market needs, as institutions adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education. The data underscores the importance of aligning academic programs with student interests and workforce demands to ensure successful outcomes for graduates.

Analysis of Bowling Green State University Admissions Trends

Bowling Green State University has experienced significant fluctuations in both its rankings and admission rates over the years. In 2025, the university's ranking is noted as 273, indicating a slight recovery from its previous downward trend, which saw it drop to 280 in 2024. This trend suggests an ongoing effort by the institution to enhance its reputation and attract more students. Examining the acceptance rates reveals a compelling narrative. The acceptance rate for male applicants has varied, with 2021 showing a rate of approximately 75%, while female applicants had a slightly higher acceptance rate of 76%. The overall admission rates have seen a dramatic shift, particularly between 2015 and 2016, where there was a stark drop in acceptance rates, potentially indicating either an increase in application numbers or a more selective admissions process. The enrollment numbers also present an interesting picture. For instance, the university enrolled 2,937 students in 2023, which reflects a slight increase from the previous year despite a substantial number of rejections—3,724 applicants were denied admission. This high denial rate coupled with a consistent number of deferments suggests that the university is not only selective but is also possibly facing challenges in managing its applicant pool effectively. As the university moves forward, it will be crucial for Bowling Green State University to maintain its efforts in improving both its academic offerings and overall student experience to enhance its rankings and attract a diverse pool of applicants.

Trends in Standardized Test Scores at Bowling Green State University

The data from Bowling Green State University reveals notable trends in the standardized test scores and submission rates over the years, reflecting both the changing landscape of college admissions and the university's evolving applicant pool. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a general increase in the SAT score ranges for admitted students, indicating a competitive admissions process. For instance, the 25th percentile SAT Reading scores improved from 450 to 490, while the 75th percentile scores increased from 560 to 600.

Moreover, the number of students submitting SAT scores fluctuated significantly throughout the years. The percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores peaked at 24% in 2021, suggesting a growing confidence among students in their standardized test performance during that period, potentially influenced by external factors such as changes in testing requirements or the overall college admission climate.

Additionally, the average ACT scores show similar trends, with the 25th percentile scores indicating a gradual increase over the years. This upward trajectory not only reflects the university's commitment to maintaining high academic standards but also signals the increasing competitiveness of its applicant pool.

In recent years, as the conversation around standardized testing evolves—with many institutions adopting test-optional policies—it's crucial for universities like Bowling Green to adapt and reassess their evaluation criteria. This shift may lead to a more holistic approach in admissions, focusing on a wider range of student achievements and capabilities beyond standardized test scores. Overall, the data suggests a dynamic and competitive environment at Bowling Green State University, with ongoing adjustments to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Student Demographics at Bowling Green State University in 2023

The student body at Bowling Green State University reflects a diverse composition, with notable differences in gender representation among various categories of students. In 2023, the undergraduate newcomers, comprising nearly 2,937 students, have a gender ratio of 41.4% male to 58.6% female, indicating a strong female presence in this cohort. Similarly, undergraduate continuing students, totaling 8,829, show a comparable gender ratio of 43.5% male and 56.5% female, reinforcing the trend of higher female enrollment.

Interestingly, the undergraduate transfer students present a more balanced gender ratio, with 51.2% male and 48.8% female, which may suggest that transfer students come from a more varied background, potentially including older or non-traditional students who may not fit the typical demographic.

Graduate students, numbering 3,067, also show a significant female representation, with 39% male and 61% female. This trend of higher female enrollment in graduate programs may reflect broader societal shifts towards higher education and professional advancement among women.

Furthermore, the racial and ethnic breakdown of the student population indicates a diverse mix, but specific data on this aspect remains unavailable for the current year. The predominance of white students in most categories suggests that while diversity is present, there is still room for growth in terms of representation from various ethnic backgrounds.

Overall, Bowling Green State University showcases a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, particularly in gender representation. However, ongoing efforts may be required to enhance racial and ethnic diversity within the student body to create a more equitable educational environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Bowling Green State University in 2023

The age composition of students at Bowling Green State University in 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. The largest group comprises students aged 18-19, with over 5,100 students combined in this category, emphasizing the university's appeal to traditional college-age individuals. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that a significant portion of university enrollment consists of recent high school graduates.

As students progress in age, the numbers begin to decline. Those aged 20-21 remain a strong cohort, with nearly 5,200 students, but the numbers taper off sharply thereafter. This decline could reflect various factors, such as students opting for immediate employment after undergraduate studies or the challenges faced by older students in balancing education with personal and professional commitments.

Interestingly, the data shows a pronounced gender disparity, particularly among younger students. In the 18-19 age category, females significantly outnumber males, which is a trend also observed in many universities across the U.S. The gender ratio continues to show a larger female population in most age groups, culminating in a total female student body that exceeds that of males.

Moreover, the presence of non-traditional students, particularly those aged 25 and above, is evident but relatively modest, with the highest participation from those aged 25-29. This demographic trend is increasingly important as universities strive to cater to lifelong learners and adult education, reflecting a broader shift in higher education towards inclusivity for all ages.

In conclusion, Bowling Green State University's age demographics showcase a strong foundation of traditional students, particularly young women, while also highlighting the need for continued engagement with older students to foster a diverse and inclusive educational environment.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Bowling Green State University

The data on international student enrollment at Bowling Green State University reveals a fluctuating yet generally increasing trend in the proportion of undergraduate international students over the years. Starting from a mere 0.98% in 2004, this figure has risen to 2.58% by 2023, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of a diverse student body in enriching the academic environment. The number of international undergraduates climbed from 152 to 358, showcasing a significant increase in the university's appeal to international students.

In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students saw more variability. Initially, the percentage rose steadily, peaking at 18.07% in 2016. However, there has been a noticeable decline in the following years, with the percentage dropping to 14.31% in 2023. The fluctuations in graduate enrollment may reflect broader trends in higher education, including changes in visa policies and global economic conditions affecting students' ability to study abroad.

The recent decline in graduate international enrollment to 9.86% in 2021 and 10.97% in 2022 could be attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global travel and education. Nevertheless, the rebound to 14.31% in 2023 suggests a recovery as universities adapt to new realities and international students regain confidence in pursuing education abroad.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive and diverse educational environment, which not only benefits international students but also enhances the academic experience for all students at Bowling Green State University. As the global landscape continues to evolve, it will be critical for the university to implement strategies that attract and support international students effectively.

Here are some notable universities near Bowling Green State University:

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Ranked 21st in the 2025 US News rankings, this is a prestigious public research university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

2. Ohio State University-Main Campus - With a ranking of 41, it is one of the largest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with a robust athletic program.

3. University of Toledo - Ranked 296, this university offers a variety of programs and is known for its research initiatives and community engagement.

4. Case Western Reserve University - With a ranking of 51, this private research university is recognized for its innovation in health sciences, engineering, and law.

5. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 18th, this private Catholic university is renowned for its academic excellence, beautiful campus, and strong athletic spirit.

These institutions provide diverse educational opportunities and contribute to the academic landscape surrounding Bowling Green State University.

Crime Trends at Bowling Green State University

The crime data from Bowling Green State University reveals a significant decline in crime rates over the years. In 2013, the average number of recorded offenses per 1,000 students was 26.43, which is notably higher compared to 7.25 in 2023. This downward trend indicates a positive shift towards a safer campus environment, with the total number of offenses decreasing substantially from 456.8 in 2013 to just 122.6 in 2023.

Among the various types of offenses, alcohol-related arrests appear to be a consistent issue, although specific yearly data on these arrests is not detailed in the summary. The campus seemed to have made considerable progress in reducing incidents related to drug offenses and violent crimes, as evidenced by the decreasing rates of arrests and incidents over the years. Notably, the figures from 2021 and 2022 reflect a particularly low incidence of serious crimes, which suggests effective crime prevention strategies and initiatives by the university.

Moreover, this improvement in campus safety is essential not only for the well-being of current students but also for attracting prospective students and their families, who increasingly prioritize safety when choosing a university. The commitment to fostering a secure educational environment is commendable, and continued efforts in crime prevention and student education on safety will be crucial in maintaining this positive trend in the years to come.

For further insights on calculating crime rates, refer to this link.