Bowling Green State University provides experiences that enhance lives. Students are prepared for lifelong career growth, lives of engaged citizenship and leadership in a global society. U.S. News and World Report names BGSU as one of the top public universities nationwide with a strong commitment to first-year programs that lead to success.
Bowling Green State University Distance Learning Courses
Established in 1910 as a teacher-training institution, Bowling Green held its first classes in 1914, but it was not until the following year that the first two buildings--now University Hall and Williams Hall--were ready for use. Student enrollment for that initial year totaled 304, with a faculty of 21. The first bachelor's degrees were awarded in 1917.
Education
Within our transformative learning community, we build a welcoming, safe and diverse environment where the creative ideas and achievements of all can benefit others throughout Ohio, the nation and the world.
Research
Welcome to BGSU's Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. We support BGSU faculty, staff and students in their search for external support for their research, scholarship and creative activities, and other university initiatives.
Career
Bowling Green State University is a premier learning establishment with more than 260 degree programs and 20,000 students from across the globe. Recruiting at our University offers immense potential for hiring qualified candidates.
Bowling Green State UniversityKey Statistics & Highlights
#1642Ranking
30 Courses
942Academic Staff
15,268Students
611Students (int'l)
8,550Students (female)
Public Institution Type
Student services
International Programs and Partnerships and Student Affairs are pleased offer airport shuttle service to all BGSU students. A shuttle to the Detroit Airport, at the end of each semester will be offered for $25 per student.
The International Student Services Office leads Bowling Green State University's efforts in recruiting international students and supporting them throughout their career at BGSU by providing them with immigration advising, advocacy, and programming support.
Housing services
Living on campus is an exciting part of the college experience and gives students the opportunity to build life-long friendships and also supports academic success. It has been proven that students who live on campus have a higher GPA – and persistence towards graduation – faster than their peers who live off campus. Because of this, Bowling Green State University’s Board of Trustees has set a Residency Requirement that states a student must live on campus their first two years.
Library services
In 2017, Wm. T. Jerome Library turns 50 years old. In those 50 years, the campus has grown from 9,000 students to over 19,000 students. The library, which had 400,000 books in 1967, now has over seven million books and access to unending amounts of electronic information.
ICT services
Welcome to BGSU Information Technology Services (ITS)! At ITS, our goal is for you to have a great technology experience beginning with the first time you log in as a new member of the BGSU family. Whether it be connecting your device to the network, using technology in the classroom, or repairing your hard drive, we are here to help.
Medical services
All domestic students taking 8 or more credit hours on main campus will need to complete the health insurance requirement each academic year. Correspondence, Online, and Distance Learning Classes are not considered to be "on main campus" for the health insurance requirement purpose.
Campus life
Our campus has 1,338 acre residential campus with park-like setting and 119 buildings including the new Stroh Center, The Wolfe Center for the Arts, Centennial Residence Hall, Falcon Heights Residence Hall, The Oaks Dining Center and Carillon Place Dining Center
Sports facilities
The newly renovated Student Recreational Center offers ultramodern athletic, recreational, and workout options including a comprehensive weight room, cardio gallery, four basketball and sports courts, eleven racquetball and squash courts, climbing wall, Fitwell Center, dance and group exercise rooms, running track, pro shop, observation deck and patio, locker rooms, and two indoor swimming pools.
Student clubs
More than 308 student organizations and 40 social fraternities and sororities.
Accreditation
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Bowling Green State UniversityOverview
Bowling Green State UniversityRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 17.2%United States
Top 25.6%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1642
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 121 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
1530
1521
1642
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Bowling Green State UniversityStudent Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 18 reviews
5 Star
9 Reviews
4 Star
7 Reviews
3 Star
1 Review
2 Star
0 Reviews
1 Star
1 Review
How Students Rated This University
Student Teacher Interaction4.5
Student Diversity4.3
Quality of Student Life4.0
5/5
No title
BCTC has been an amazing experience! The professors genuinely care about students and make learning engaging and supportive. Class sizes are small, which helps you connect with teachers and classmates. The staff is always friendly and ready to help with anything, from financial aid to transferring advice. The campus feels safe, clean, and welcoming, with great resources like tutoring, advising, and career guidance, The courses are affordable but still high quality, making it a perfect place to start your college journey or prepare to transfer. I�ve learned so much and always felt supported every step of the way. I�m truly great full for my time here and would 100% recommend BCTC to anyone looking for a college that values your success and helps you grow both academically and personally!
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onAug 2026
5/5
Supportive BG psychology
The psychology department of BG has knowledgeable faculty, a good clinical training program, and an overall supportive atmosphere. I would recommend the graduate program to interested prospective students.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onJul 2025
4/5
Growing BSB community
Love bsb, small school with room to grow, but overall pretty great. School gym and cafeteria were not the best, and i wish there was better options for post grad. Great field trips and social clubs. I would tell students to take advantage of all opportunities and make as many friends as possible.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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