UToledo vs Bowling Green State University-Main Campus (BGSU)

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University-Main Campus stand as two distinct beacons of higher education, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence and vibrant campus life. While both universities share a commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience, they differ in several key aspects. From acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates, this comprehensive comparison will help you understand the nuances that set these two institutions apart, empowering you to make an informed decision about your academic journey. Dive into the comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals, ensuring a fulfilling and successful college experience.

	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus	University of Toledo
Overview
Location	Bowling Green, Ohio	Toledo, Ohio
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	78.0%	74.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.7%	96.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $45
SAT range	1020 - 1210	1030 - 1280
ACT range	20 - 25	21 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	16.0%
Students submitting ACT score	64.0%	46.0%
Total number of applicants	18,295	9,893
Total number of admissions given out	14,404	9,549
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,760	2,332
Yield rate	19.2%	24.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,189 Out of state: $34,177	In state: $25,655 Out of state: $35,015
Average net price	$16,684	$17,764
Tuition	In state: $10,776 Out of state: $18,764	In state: $9,546 Out of state: $18,906
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,170 Meal plan: $4,804	Room/dormitory: $7,980 Meal plan: $4,455
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $7,888	92.0% Average amount $8,876
Students receiving federal student loan	57.0% Average amount $5,305	50.0% Average amount $5,073
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $13,247	6.0% Average amount $12,858

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,465 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	13,161 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%
Graduate students	3,180 Men 37.9% Women 62.1%	3,818 Men 40.7% Women 59.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	N/A
International students	4.0%	7.5%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,911	3,596
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio Michigan Illinois Indiana New York	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Health Professions Engineering Education Business Engineering Technologies
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.5%	55.3%
Dropout rate	13.3%	42.6%
Transferred out	23.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,102 Year 3: $83,744 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,302 Year 2: $79,688 Year 3: $76,011 Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $62,772 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $75,005 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,793 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $74,656 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,119 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $74,156 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $65,131 Year 3: $71,653 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,158 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $70,152 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,435 Year 2: $64,829 Year 3: $68,794 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,054 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $67,036 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $65,091	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $106,042 Year 2: $117,184 Year 3: $120,336 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,815 Year 2: $103,913 Year 3: $111,949 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $99,547 Year 3: $110,524 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,272 Year 2: $81,210 Year 3: $89,644 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,608 Year 2: $75,623 Year 3: $84,047 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,253 Year 2: $72,742 Year 3: $81,431 Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,761 Year 2: $66,169 Year 3: $78,505 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,231 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $77,928 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,847 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $75,502 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,677 Year 2: $65,053 Year 3: $70,906

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University (BGSU)?

The University of Toledo (UToledo) is a large, public research university known for its strong engineering, business, and medical programs. It's located in an urban setting in Toledo, Ohio. Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is also a public university, but it's located in a more traditional college town setting in Bowling Green, Ohio. BGSU is known for its education, music, and arts programs, and has a strong focus on undergraduate education.
Which university is larger, UToledo or BGSU?

UToledo generally has a slightly larger student population than BGSU. However, enrollment numbers can fluctuate, so it's best to check the most recent official data from each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
How do the academic reputations of UToledo and BGSU compare?

Both UToledo and BGSU are respected public universities. UToledo is particularly strong in STEM fields, especially engineering and medicine, and has a growing research profile. BGSU is well-regarded for its teacher education programs, music programs (especially jazz studies), and its popular culture department. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific academic interests.
What is campus life like at UToledo versus BGSU?

UToledo offers a more urban campus experience with access to the amenities of Toledo. Campus life includes a variety of student organizations, athletic events, and cultural activities. BGSU provides a more traditional college town atmosphere, with a strong sense of community and a focus on campus-based activities. BGSU is known for its active student government and vibrant Greek life.
How do tuition and fees compare between UToledo and BGSU?

Tuition and fees at UToledo and BGSU are generally comparable for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's crucial to check the official websites of both universities for the most current tuition rates and fee schedules, as these are subject to change. Also, investigate scholarship and financial aid opportunities at both schools.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at UToledo and BGSU?

Both UToledo and BGSU offer a range of financial aid options, including federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs. They also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Check each university's financial aid website for specific scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing federal aid.
What are the most popular majors at UToledo and BGSU?

At UToledo, popular majors include engineering, business, nursing, and pre-med programs. At BGSU, popular majors include education, business, communication, and psychology. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, so explore their academic catalogs to find programs that align with your interests.
How do the athletic programs compare between UToledo and BGSU?

Both UToledo and BGSU are members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Both universities have a strong athletic tradition, with football and basketball being particularly popular. UToledo's mascot is the Rockets, while BGSU's mascot is the Falcons. Check their respective athletic websites for schedules and team information.
What are the career services like at UToledo and BGSU?

Both UToledo and BGSU offer comprehensive career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, and job searching. They both host career fairs and provide opportunities for internships and co-ops. UToledo's location in a larger city may offer more internship opportunities in certain fields, while BGSU's strong alumni network can be a valuable resource for graduates.
What is the surrounding area like for each university?

UToledo is located in Toledo, Ohio, a mid-sized city with a diverse economy and cultural attractions. Students have access to museums, theaters, restaurants, and entertainment venues. BGSU is located in Bowling Green, Ohio, a smaller college town with a more close-knit community. The town is centered around the university and offers a more traditional college experience.
How do the graduation rates compare between UToledo and BGSU?

Graduation rates can vary slightly between UToledo and BGSU. It's best to consult the official websites of both universities or resources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to compare the most recent graduation rates. Factors like student demographics and academic programs can influence graduation rates.
What are the admission requirements for UToledo and BGSU?

Admission requirements for both UToledo and BGSU typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT, though test-optional policies may apply), and a strong academic record. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study. Check the admissions websites of both universities for detailed information on application deadlines, required documents, and admission criteria.

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