Research.com
Bowling Green State University logo

Bowling Green State University

200 University Hall, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA

Bowling Green State University award
Bowling Green State University award
US ranking
position: 177
Tuition & fees per year: $15,212
Acceptance rate: 81.00%
Median alumni salary: $40,263
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1115 SAT, 23 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Bowling Green State University offer in terms of athletics?

Bowling Green State University supports a broad and competitive athletics program that plays a significant role in campus life. The university is a member of the NCAA Division I and competes primarily in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), which provides student-athletes opportunities to participate at a high level of intercollegiate competition.

The Falcons field teams across a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field among others. This diversity allows students with different athletic interests and skills to find a program that fits their abilities and passions. In addition to varsity sports, the university offers club and intramural sports to engage a wider student population in physical activity and team experiences.

Facilities at Bowling Green State University support the athletic programs with venues like the Doyt Perry Stadium for football, the Stroh Center for basketball and volleyball, and the Slater Family Ice Arena for ice hockey. These dedicated venues enhance both athlete training and spectator experience.

Aside from fostering competitive spirit, the athletics program emphasizes academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement for student-athletes. This balanced approach aims to prepare participants for success both during and after their collegiate athletic careers.

What student groups and Associations are available at Bowling Green State University?

Bowling Green State University offers a variety of student groups that cater to diverse interests and extracurricular activities. Among the organizations available are the Role Playing Gamers, Student Nurses' Association, Student IMPACT, Scuba Diving Club, and Dance Alliance. These groups provide opportunities for students to engage with peers sharing similar passions, whether they focus on healthcare, gaming, community involvement, aquatic sports, or performing arts.

Who studies at Bowling Green State University?

Bowling Green State University enrolls a diverse range of students, with a strong majority coming from within Ohio. Approximately 87% of its students are in-state residents, placing the university in the top quartile nationally for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students represent a smaller portion, about 12%, which is notably lower than many peers. Almost all students are from the United States, with foreign students comprising only a minor presence, reflecting a student body that is overwhelmingly domestic.

The university admits a substantial number of freshmen each year, with over 3,100 new first-year students, a figure that ranks it among the top 10% nationally for freshman enrollment. Transfer students account for a smaller group, with just under 500 annually, representing an average level compared to other institutions. Overall, the total new student intake is high, highlighting Bowling Green State University's significant growth and appeal to new students.

Age diversity is evident, especially among undergraduate students. More than 1,300 undergraduates are under 18, signaling a population of early college entrants or recent high school graduates. The largest age group for undergraduates falls between 18 and 21 years old, totaling nearly 10,300 students. Graduate students tend to be older, with the majority between 22 and 49 years of age, including sizable numbers in their late twenties and thirties. This age spread showcases the university's accommodation of both traditional-aged college students and adult learners pursuing advanced degrees.

The racial and ethnic composition of Bowling Green State University reflects a predominantly White student body, which ranks very high nationally with over 10,000 students identifying as White. African American students represent a moderate portion, with about 850, placing the university in the upper 40% percentile for this demographic. Hispanic and Asian students are enrolled in more average numbers, each constituting a smaller segment of the population. Native American students are also present, though in limited numbers. Data on students identifying with multiple races or as Pacific Islanders is not available.

How does student life look like at Bowling Green State University?

Student life at Bowling Green State University is enriched by a diverse range of campus activities and resources designed to support a vibrant and supportive community. The university hosts a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a band, a chorus, and a television station, providing numerous opportunities for students to engage in creative and media-related pursuits alongside their academic goals.

Health and well-being are also prioritized, with available services including a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a dedicated veterans affairs office. Additionally, the university offers support through a women's center, catering to the needs of its diverse student body.

With a campus size of 1,338 acres, students have ample space for both academic and recreational activities within the university environment, contributing to a balanced college experience.

What libraries are available to students at Bowling Green State University?

Bowling Green State University offers access to a single main library, the William T. Jerome Library. Although the number of libraries is limited compared to many institutions, the resources within this facility are substantial in certain areas. The library holds over 766,000 books, positioning it in the top 40% of institutions by collection size.

Students benefit from extensive digital resources, including approximately 651,000 e-books and 135,000 digital subscriptions, both ranking around the median nationally. Additionally, the university provides access to an impressively large number of databases-28,409-placing it in the top 15% for database availability, which supports in-depth research across many disciplines.

The library offers physical facilities and study rooms to support student learning, though it does not provide all-day access. Established hours and a trained staff are in place to assist students, and the institution enables access to shared collections beyond its own holdings, broadening research opportunities.

While subscription counts-111 for physical subscriptions-are on the lower side, the combination of physical and digital resources ensures that students have diverse materials for academic use.

Bowling Green State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

17594

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

3500

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

745 full time, 342 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Bowling Green State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

William T. Jerome Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Bowling Green State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Bowling Green State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Bowling Green State University Location & Map