At $20,918/yr net price, Bowling Green State University-Main Campus 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) | $20,918 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,896/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,896/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.8% |
| 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 | $15,611/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,496/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,316/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,010/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,945/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $84,102 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,688 | $41,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $74,196 | $20,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $67,660 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $67,164 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $65,131 | |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $64,829 | $17,321 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $31,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $20,000 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,154 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
62.8% of students at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bowling Green State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The median graduate earns $47,896 ten years after enrollment, which provides a reasonable return on the $20,918 annual net price for most students.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial case here. Human Resources Management graduates earn $84,102 annually while Business Administration majors pull in $79,688, though they carry higher debt loads at $41,000. Management Information Systems offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio at $74,196 in earnings with only $20,500 in debt. Psychology and Educational Administration both clear $67,000 annually.
The school poses specific financial risks with its 62.8% graduation rate and 79.9% retention rate. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you face real odds of dropping out without a degree but with accumulated debt.
BGSU works financially for Ohio residents pursuing business, technology, or psychology programs who can handle the academic demands. The relatively low median debt of $25,000 keeps payments manageable for most graduates. Students targeting high-earning majors will find solid returns, especially those staying in Ohio where the degree carries regional recognition.
Avoid BGSU if you're undecided on major, struggle with college-level coursework, or need programs not represented in the top-earning list. The graduation rate suggests meaningful academic challenges that can derail students without clear goals. Only 22.7% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families may find limited financial support beyond federal programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowling Green State University-Main Campus worth the cost?
With graduates earning $47,896 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $25,000, BGSU offers moderate returns that vary significantly by program. Business and HR management majors see strong outcomes, while other programs may struggle to justify the $20,918 annual net price.
What are the best paying majors at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus?
Human Resources Management leads at $84,102, followed by Business Administration at $79,688 and Management Information Systems at $74,196. These business-focused programs offer substantially better returns than the university average.
How much student debt do Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable given the $47,896 average earnings. However, graduates in lower-paying majors may face payment challenges with this debt load.
Does Bowling Green State University-Main Campus have good graduation rates?
BGSU's 62.80% graduation rate is below the national average, meaning nearly 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This completion risk adds to the financial uncertainty of attending.