BGSU new student enrollment continues to increase, up 22% over the last two years

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – For the second consecutive year, Bowling Green State University is setting enrollment records as it welcomes one of its largest and the highest-achieving freshman classes in University history, with new student enrollment up 14% as compared to fall 2023 and up 22% compared to fall 2022.

This fall, the class of 2028 is comprised of nearly 3,900 students from across Ohio and more than 30 states, with first-year, out-of-state enrollment up 21%. Enrollment is also up across Ohio, with first-year enrollment of students from northwest Ohio up 19%. First-year enrollment of international students has doubled, compared to fall 2023.

As the highest academically achieving class in BGSU history, the freshman cohort has a 3.69 grade point average and an average ACT score of 25.1.

“As a public university for the public good, we are committed to ensuring a Bowling Green education is accessible and a great value,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “We are excited to welcome so many new students to our learning community, defying national and even statewide enrollment trends. Bowling Green is big enough to provide all the opportunities of a comprehensive, research university, but small enough to where our each of our students can actually take advantage of it. Our levels of enrollment are a great size for us in providing that exceptional experience, which has long made Bowling Green so special.”

Enrollment also is up nearly 9% overall this fall at BGSU Firelands, the University’s regional campus located in Huron, Ohio.

For the second consecutive year, the University is also seeing historic student success and retention rates, underscoring The Wall Street Journal’s ranking of BGSU as the No. 1 university in Ohio for the student experience.

“We know engagement is a key driver of student success,” said Dr. Glenn Davis, interim provost and senior vice president and vice president for student engagement and success at BGSU. “We will remain focused on ensuring students get involved on our campuses, from joining student clubs and organizations, to leading undergraduate research alongside our faculty, to participating in internships and co-ops and attending athletics and arts events.”

In-demand academic programs
Much of the University’s momentum in its enrollment gains is being driven by in-demand academic programs focused on meeting Ohio’s workforce needs, especially in STEM and healthcare. 

Academic programs seeing record enrollment include aviation and nursing, both up 34% in new students. Business is up 21%, with additional growth in programs such as education, exercise science, medical laboratory science, the arts and more. The Honors College has enrolled 375 new, high-achieving students.

Other sought-after programs like architecture, forensic science, and resort and attraction management also are drawing students from outside Ohio to Bowling Green.

The BGSU Life Design program continues to drive enrollment, especially for students who are undecided in their major upon starting their academic journey. The program empowers students to shape their college and career journey through design thinking principles. Offered to all undergraduate students, Life Design at BGSU is the only program of its kind in country being offered on a large scale.

“We are excited to continue our momentum and welcome another large and academically successful freshman class to our learning community,” said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management. “The University’s continued investment in high-demand programs is driving enrollment, empowering students for career success and addressing critical workforce needs. We are thankful for the continued trust in the value of a BGSU education from students and their families.”

“Bowling Green has leaned in on the student experience, intentionally empowering our students to take advantage of all we have to offer from day one,” President Rogers added. “This kind of momentum takes all of us being all in, and we are grateful for our students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and supporters who continue to support our learning community.”

For the fourth consecutive year, BGSU has been ranked as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest students say would choose again.

The University is seeing continued and increased enrollment in new, first-time students from nearby states like Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The University offers in-state tuition to students from Monroe and Lenawee counties in Michigan and multiple counties in northeast Indiana.

Additionally, the BGSU Class of 2028 consists of students from U.S. states spanning from Hawaii to Delaware and countries such as Nepal, India and Canada.

For Fall 2024, BGSU is garnering particular interest from new students in its reimagined offerings in robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Housed in the BGSU School of Engineering, the ABET-accredited programs leverage the University's longstanding excellence in applied engineering education while deepening its commitment to supporting science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare careers.

Differentiating the student experience
Keeping education accessible, BGSU provides more than 90% of all new students with comprehensive scholarship and financial aid options, including the University Freshman Academic Scholarship, which ranges from $1,000 to $9,500 and is renewable for four years with no essays, recommendation letters or interviews required.

This spring, the University announced Robert Thompson ’55, ’06 (Hon.) and Ellen (Bowen) Thompson ’54, ’06 (Hon.), would give, in total, $121 million to student scholarships at BGSU. The University is now home to one of the largest nonendowed scholarship programs of its kind in the nation, the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, which covers much of the cost of a student's tuition while still requiring a financial investment in earning their degree.

BGSU has also invested in constructing and updating multiple academic, housing and extracurricular spaces throughout the years.

As part of the recently completed, 10-year Master Plan 1.0, BGSU ushered in new and reimagined spaces including Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center, Kokosing Hall, Social House at The Oaks, Centennial residence hall and the Student Recreation Center.

The University is currently transforming the Technology Building to include collaborative classrooms and adaptable space for cutting-edge robotics and engineering equipment as part of Campus Master Plan 2024. The building's construction plans include the demolition of its southern facade, an expanded footprint to the south and an east wing renovation with completion set for Spring 2026.

As part of the student experience, BGSU also is committed to fostering the academic, social and personal growth of the class of 2028, driving public good on campus and in communities around the globe.

Keeping the class of 2028 connected and engaged, BGSU offers a wide range of year-round events and activities designed to create a vibrant campus culture. The University is home to more than 300 student organizations spanning 16 categories, including club sports, health and well-being, community engagement and more. BGSU competes in NCAA Division I athletics and is part of the Mid-American Conference.