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
The numbers at Bowling Green State University-Firelands raise serious questions before you weigh any major. The graduation rate sits at 10.2%, meaning almost nobody who enrolls here finishes a degree at this campus. The retention rate of 56% shows nearly half of first-year students don't come back for a second year. That gap between starting and finishing is the biggest financial risk you face here, because you can take on debt without ever getting the degree that pays it back.
If you do graduate, the median earnings ten years out land close to $48,000, and median debt of $25,000 is manageable against that income. That debt-to-earnings ratio works for you. The problem is the odds of reaching that outcome. The financial return isn't weak so much as unpredictable , strong if you finish, negative if you're part of the 90% who don't complete here.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed, so treat any specific major's payoff as unknown at this campus. Don't assume the median applies evenly across fields.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay about $15,000 a year. over $110k, closer to $21,000. That's a smaller income-based spread than many schools, so higher earners get less of a discount here.
This campus is a reasonable financial fit if you're a local commuter using it as a low-cost entry point and you have a concrete plan to transfer to Bowling Green's main campus or finish elsewhere. If you need a degree from this specific location to justify the cost, the completion numbers should push you to look at schools where more students actually finish.
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.