Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships and Financial Aid

At BGSU, we promise your investment in a college experience here will be worthwhile. Part of that promise is to provide you with an education of value while also helping you reduce student debt.

More than 90% of all new BGSU students receive some type of financial assistance. This aid can be used to pay for your instructional and general fees, non-resident fees (if applicable), room, meals, books, transportation and personal expenses.

The surest way to get a scholarship offer is to simply apply to BGSU! Once you’re admitted, BGSU will begin making scholarship offers based on your credentials. We will also reach out to you with additional opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about scholarship and financial aid

How do I apply for scholarships and financial aid?

Step 1: Apply to BGSU and be accepted!

Step 2: You will automatically be considered for the University Freshman Academic Scholarship and other scholarships based on a comprehensive review of your BGSU application. No essay, recommendation letters or interview are required.

Step 3: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and be sure to list BGSU’s school code: 003018. Need help? Check out our step-by-step instructions for completing the FAFSA.

Step 4: Complete your BGSU General Scholarship Application through the Searchable Scholarship Guide, which will allow you to investigate and apply for any scholarships (Opens every October).

Who is eligible for scholarships and other forms of financial aid?

Everyone is eligible to apply for some form of financial aid! The type of aid you may receive depends on a variety of factors, including your academic and service achievements, personal circumstances and intended field of study, among others.

What types of financial aid are available at BGSU?

We know a college degree is a serious investment, and one of our main goals is to help you reduce student debt.

Scholarships

BGSU awards an average of 5,800 scholarships totaling approximately $25 million each year
Scholarships are considered gift aid and do not require repayment
Awards are based on academic achievement, service, talent and need
We also accept scholarships awarded by outside organizations

Grants

Grants are need-based and do not require repayment
Federal and state grants are limited to lower-income students as determined by the FAFSA and U.S. government

Loans

Student loans must be repaid and accumulate interest
Federal Direct Student Loan for undergraduate students is available to help meet educational costs
Parent PLUS Loans may also be offered to parents to help students cover their remaining balances

Employment on campus

BGSU employs approximately 4,000 students on campus throughout the year
Student employees work an average of 10 to 20 hours per week
Students earn at least minimum wage
Students may also qualify for a work study if they indicate interest on their FAFSA; however, students don’t need a work study to be employed on campus

Learn more about BGSU financial aid options—and feel free to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships at 419-372-2651 with additional questions!

Can I get scholarships as a transfer student?

Learn more about the opportunities available for transfer students

Scholarship Highlights

Did you know 95 percent of BGSU scholarships only look at your GPA? Learn about some of the premier scholarship programs for incoming students!

University Freshman Academic Scholarship

The University Freshman Academic Scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $9,500 and is renewable for all four years based on a comprehensive review of your application. No essay, no recommendation letter and no interview.

Honors College

Want an honors experience and chance to earn Honors scholarships? BGSU Honors College offers an array of benefits - small class sizes, research opportunities, travel, a residence dedicated just to Honors as well as scholarships.

Thompson Working Families Scholarship

The Thompson Working Families Scholarship is $11,000 a year, thanks to the support of Robert and Ellen Thompson and Bowling Green State University. Incoming first-year students (like yourself) who remain in good standing may receive up to $44,000 over the course of their BGSU education. Thompson Scholars also receive in-depth advising, personal and professional development opportunities and a chance to develop the same heart for service that is the hallmark of the Thompsons' exceptional legacy.

Out-of-State Scholarships

BG Success Scholarship for Out-of-State Students with 3.0 cumulative high school GPA or 20 ACT or 1040 SAT.
Indiana reciprocity/in-state tuition for the following counties: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Clark, Dearborn, Decatur, DeKalb, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Harrison, Henry, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Noble, Ohio, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Steuben, Switzerland, Union, Washington, Wayne and Wells.
Michigan Out of State Award allows students living in Monroe, Lenawee and Wayne counties with minimum 3.0 high school GPA or 20 ACT, or 1040 SAT to pay in-state tuition.

STEM Scholarships (Owens Corning, Choose Ohio First)

President’s Leadership Academy - full-tuition

The Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy is a four-year leadership development program that engages scholars in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities. The curriculum focuses on specific outcomes, with each year's experience building on those of the previous year.

Falcon Achievement Award

$1,000 to $3,000 renewable scholarship
Must have minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Must complete application, file FAFSA and be admitted to BGSU by priority deadline.

For more scholarships, check out the Searchable Scholarship Guide or
contact your admissions counselor today!

Updated: 04/09/2025 05:23PM