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

Wright State University-Main Campus and Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, both esteemed public universities in Ohio, offer distinct educational experiences. Wright State, located in Dayton, boasts a higher acceptance rate (86%) compared to Bowling Green's (79%). While Bowling Green has a slightly larger student body, Wright State's student population is more diverse. Both universities excel in various academic areas, with Wright State excelling in engineering and health professions, and Bowling Green excelling in business and education. However, Wright State's graduation rate (59%) surpasses Bowling Green's (56%). To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two institutions. Explore the table to discover which university better aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus	Wright State University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Bowling Green, Ohio	Dayton, Ohio
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: 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%	65.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.7%	96.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	$40
SAT range	1020 - 1210	945 - 1250
ACT range	20 - 25	17 - 24
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	6.0%
Students submitting ACT score	64.0%	79.0%
Total number of applicants	18,295	6,338
Total number of admissions given out	14,404	6,087
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,760	1,132
Yield rate	19.2%	18.6%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,189 Out of state: $34,177	In state: $26,960 Out of state: $36,378
Average net price	$16,684	$14,198
Tuition	In state: $10,776 Out of state: $18,764	In state: $10,340 Out of state: $19,758
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,170 Meal plan: $4,804	Room/dormitory: $5,120 Meal plan: $4,700
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	91.0% Average amount $8,040
Students receiving federal student loan	57.0% Average amount $5,305	48.0% Average amount $5,050
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $13,247	6.0% Average amount $10,596

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,465 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	7,477 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Graduate students	3,180 Men 37.9% Women 62.1%	2,818 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	5.2%
International students	4.0%	8.2%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,911	2,984
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	Ohio Indiana Michigan Florida Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.5%	43.9%
Dropout rate	13.3%	54.0%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,600 Year 2: $96,090 Year 3: $98,705 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,258 Year 2: $79,284 Year 3: $85,894 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,879 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,587 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,070 Year 3: $72,362 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,461 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $72,103 Economics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $65,238 Year 3: $71,607 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $70,642 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,849 Year 2: $64,307 Year 3: $68,129 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,567 Year 2: $58,092 Year 3: $67,319 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,745 Year 2: $60,096 Year 3: $66,586

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

Wright State University (WSU) is located in Dayton, Ohio, a metropolitan area with a more urban feel, offering access to various cultural and professional opportunities. Bowling Green State University (BGSU), on the other hand, is situated in Bowling Green, Ohio, a smaller, more traditional college town environment. BGSU's campus is known for its classic, picturesque setting, while WSU has a more modern campus design.
How do the academic programs compare at Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. BGSU is particularly strong in education, business, and communication, with a well-regarded College of Musical Arts. WSU excels in engineering, computer science, and health sciences, benefiting from its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Dayton area's strong healthcare industry. Both universities have strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences.
What is the cost of attendance like at Wright State University versus Bowling Green State University?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for Ohio residents. However, costs can fluctuate based on the specific program, housing choices, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, at both institutions.
How does the student life and extracurricular activities differ between Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

BGSU is known for its vibrant campus life, with a strong emphasis on traditions, Greek life, and a wide array of student organizations. The university has a robust athletic program, particularly in football and hockey, creating a strong sense of school spirit. WSU offers a diverse range of student organizations and activities, with a focus on research opportunities and community engagement. The campus is also known for its strong commuter student population, which influences the social dynamics.
What are the housing options like at Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. BGSU provides a more traditional residential experience, with a variety of dorms and living communities. WSU offers a mix of traditional residence halls and apartment-style living, catering to a diverse student body, including those who may prefer more independent living arrangements. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's best to check the university websites for specific details and application deadlines.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. BGSU's career services often leverage its strong alumni network and connections in the education, business, and communication fields. WSU's career services benefit from its location in the Dayton area, with strong ties to the engineering, technology, and healthcare industries. Job placement rates can vary by program and industry, so it's advisable to research specific departments and their career outcomes.
What are the athletic programs like at Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

BGSU is a Division I school and a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), with a strong athletic program, particularly in football, hockey, and basketball. WSU is also a Division I school, competing in the Horizon League. While both universities offer a variety of sports, BGSU generally has a higher profile and more established athletic tradition, especially in football and hockey. WSU's athletic programs are also competitive and offer opportunities for student athletes.
How does the research environment differ between Wright State University and Bowling Green State University?

Both universities offer research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. WSU benefits from its location near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, fostering research collaborations in engineering, aerospace, and related fields. BGSU has strong research programs in areas such as environmental science, education, and the arts. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your chosen field of study.
Which university is a better fit for me if I'm looking for a more traditional college experience?

If you're seeking a more traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on campus life, Greek life, and a vibrant social scene, Bowling Green State University is likely a better fit. BGSU offers a classic college town environment and a well-established sense of community. Wright State University, while offering a diverse student body and a range of activities, has a more commuter-friendly environment and a less pronounced traditional college experience.
Which university is better if I am interested in STEM fields?

Both universities offer strong STEM programs. However, Wright State University, due to its location and connections, may be a slightly better fit for students interested in engineering, computer science, and related fields. Its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Dayton area's technology and healthcare industries provides valuable opportunities for internships and research. BGSU also has strong STEM programs, but WSU's location provides a slight advantage in these specific areas.

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