At $17,791/yr net price, Bowling Green State University-Firelands graduates earn $47,896/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,896/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,791 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,896/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,896/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 10.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,172/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,830/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,458/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,780/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,284/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | $19,309 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,485 | $15,900 |
The Risk Factor
10.2% of students at Bowling Green State University-Firelands graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bowling Green State University-Firelands presents a concerning financial picture with serious red flags that should make you think twice. The 10% graduation rate is alarmingly low, meaning nine out of ten students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
Your earning potential depends heavily on your major choice. Allied health programs offer the strongest return at $41,565 annually with manageable debt of $19,309. However, the liberal arts track shows weak financial outcomes with earnings of just $22,485 against $15,900 in debt. This creates a particularly poor debt-to-income ratio that could strain your budget for years.
The 56% retention rate signals that over four out of ten students transfer or drop out after freshman year. Combined with the extremely low graduation rate, this suggests significant academic or institutional challenges that put your investment at risk. You face a high probability of paying for college without earning a degree.
Only 26% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low and may indicate limited scholarship opportunities or restrictive aid policies. This means most students pay close to the full net price of $17,791 annually.
Firelands works financially only if you're committed to allied health programs and confident you can handle the institutional challenges that cause most students to leave. The regional job market in northern Ohio may limit opportunities even for graduates. If you're considering liberal arts or unsure about your major, look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earnings in most programs, and limited aid makes this a high-risk investment for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowling Green State University-Firelands worth the cost?
With a 10% graduation rate and median earnings of $47,896 ten years after enrollment, BGSU-Firelands presents significant value concerns. The low completion rate means most students leave without a degree, making the $17,791 annual cost risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at Bowling Green State University-Firelands?
Allied Health programs offer the strongest return at $41,565 median earnings, while Liberal Arts graduates earn just $22,485. The health programs provide better job prospects but still require completing the degree to see benefits.
How much debt do Bowling Green State University-Firelands graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000. Given the low graduation rate and modest earnings outcomes, this debt level can be challenging to manage for many students.
Should I attend Bowling Green State University-Firelands or transfer elsewhere?
The 10% graduation rate suggests most students struggle to finish at BGSU-Firelands. Consider starting here only if you have strong academic preparation and a clear plan to complete your degree, or look at schools with better completion rates.