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Bowling Green State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as BGSU
Bowling Green State University accepts 81% of applicants. It is a public university in Bowling Green, Ohio, with about 12,812 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,322 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $21,453.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for BGSU?
Admitly estimates a typical Ohio resident needs about a 2.9 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.3 for admission to be likely (80%+).
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Bowling Green State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1115, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Ohio resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 41% Target | 17% Reach |
| 2.7 | 41% Target | 17% Reach |
| 3.0 | 64% Target | 34% Target |
| 3.3 | 82% Likely | 57% Target |
| 3.5 | 89% Likely | 71% Target |
| 3.7 | 94% Likely | 82% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 89% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 89% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Bowling Green State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,322 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $17,900 | $24,700 |
| $50k – $100k | $18,800 | $25,600 |
| $100k – $150k | $22,900 | $29,600 |
| $150k – $250k | $27,700 | $34,500 |
| Over $250k | $28,300 | $36,300 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Bowling Green State University
What is the acceptance rate at Bowling Green State University?
Bowling Green State University admits 81% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Bowling Green State University?
Admitly estimates a typical Ohio resident needs about a 2.9 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.3 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Bowling Green State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1000–1210 on the SAT and 19–26 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Bowling Green State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $28,322 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $21,453 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $17,900 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Bowling Green State University?
66% of students finish their degree, and 82% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Bowling Green State University
- Ohio UniversityAthens, OH · admits 85%
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati, OH · admits 85%
- Kent State UniversityKent, OH · admits 86%
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI · admits 81%
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA · admits 80%
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS · admits 82%