
200 University Hall, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA


Bowling Green State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures the overall quality and standards of the institution. Additionally, many of its individual programs receive specialized accreditation from their respective professional bodies, underscoring the university's commitment to maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards. This dual accreditation framework helps prospective students assess the institution's credibility and the value of its degrees in the broader educational and professional landscape.
Prospective students applying to Bowling Green State University must have completed a secondary education, with a General Educational Development (GED) credential accepted in lieu of a traditional high school diploma. A minimum grade point average from secondary school is required, along with the submission of the complete secondary school record. Applicants are also expected to have completed a college preparatory program to demonstrate readiness for university coursework.
The university mandates a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants whose native language is not English, ensuring sufficient English proficiency. While admission test scores such as the SAT and ACT are considered, detailed requirements for these exams are not specified and other standardized tests are recommended but not compulsory.
Bowling Green State University does not operate an open admission policy, meaning applicants must meet the outlined academic criteria to be considered. The institution does acknowledge college credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits for admitted students, allowing some courses to count towards degree requirements.
Regarding standardized testing outcomes, the average SAT score for enrolled students is 1115, with mean subsection scores of 555 in math and 560 in writing, all reflecting an average performance placed roughly in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. The mean ACT composite score among enrolled students is 23, also around the 36th percentile, indicating a moderate academic profile of the typical admitted student.
The university receives a high volume of applications, about 18,629 annually, and admits approximately 81% of those applicants. This acceptance rate situates the university in a moderately selective category with more than three-quarters of applicants eventually enrolling, which includes a very high number of female applicants relative to male applicants.
Bowling Green State University requires a nonrefundable application fee from prospective students submitting undergraduate applications. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing the application and must be paid at the time of submission to complete the application process.
The university offers application fee waivers to certain qualifying applicants. These waivers are typically granted to students demonstrating financial need or those who meet specific eligibility criteria, which can include participation in recognized fee waiver programs or presenting documentation of hardship.
Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver need to follow the university's specified procedures, which usually involve submitting a formal request along with supporting evidence. These waivers are designed to reduce financial barriers and encourage a diverse range of applicants to apply.
Bowling Green State University offers its students the opportunity to participate in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program through an established branch unit on campus. This presence allows prospective students interested in military leadership and service to pursue ROTC training directly within the university environment.
Bowling Green State University welcomes transfer students during the fall and spring terms. Prospective transfers should note that the institution has a moderately difficult admissions process, reflecting a selective but accessible approach for applicants coming from other colleges.
The university accepts transfer credits, allowing students to potentially apply previous coursework toward their degree programs. However, information regarding acceptance of specific credit examinations like CLEP or DANTES is not available, so prospective students should inquire directly with the admissions office for clarification.
Bowling Green State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global experience and academic growth. The university provides semester-long, summer, and short-term programs across multiple disciplines and destinations, allowing students to tailor their experiences to fit their academic and personal goals.
Students can choose from faculty-led programs that are organized and led by Bowling Green State University professors, providing structured coursework combined with cultural immersion. These programs often include group travel components and are available during summer sessions and breaks.
For those seeking longer experiences, the university supports semester or academic year exchanges and direct enrollment opportunities at partner institutions worldwide. These options enable students to take courses abroad that often transfer back to their degree programs, fostering deeper intercultural understanding and language proficiency.
In addition to traditional study abroad programs, Bowling Green State University encourages participation in international internships and service-learning projects, which combine practical work or volunteer experience with cultural engagement.
The university's Office of International Programs assists students in selecting the right program, managing logistics such as visas and housing, and securing funding or scholarships, ensuring a comprehensive support system throughout the study abroad process.
Median composite SAT score
1115Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
61%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
21%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring