Cost of Attendance

Students that receive financial aid are assigned an estimated budget or Cost of Attendance (COA) for each semester they attend and receive aid. The COA is an estimate of what it might cost a typical student to attend BGSU, full-time, for both Fall and Spring semesters. It includes estimates for instructional and general fees (tuition), housing and food, allowances for books, supplies, transportation to and from BGSU, and personal expenses. It’s primary use is to establish a budget for students and award financial aid.

The estimates within the COA do not reflect the actual amount of money students might owe the University. Each student will receive a bill from the Office of the Bursar that shows their actual University charges. For more information about University’s charges, please refer to the BGSU Bursar Tuition and Fees webpage.

You may also find the undergraduate student calculator or graduate student calculator useful.

BGSU Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) uses student surveys and average costs associated with local vendors to establish a baseline COA for their students. Individual students may find that their own costs vary depending on their living arrangements and personal spending choices. It is important to keep in mind that some of these expenses do not come all at once, as some of these costs such as personal, transportation; or in some cases, housing and food, may be spread over a semester.

It is important to calculate what a student’s personal costs will be to create a more accurate budget and means to manage ones’ money. Students interested in learning more about budgeting and making informed financial decisions should work with a SFA staff member.

COA Breakdown

A student’s COA, at a minimum, must include the categories listed below.  Amounts for each category are calculated based on credit hours enrolled each term, length of enrollment each term, housing location (on-campus, off-campus, with parents), campus attending, and the degree-seeking program student is pursuing. When applicable, SFA may make adjustments to the baseline COA, on a case-by-case basis, with supporting documentation from the student to address additional education related expenses.

Direct Costs – items that are billed and paid directly to BGSU

Tuition (Instructional and General Fees)

  • Estimated* costs of both instructional plus general fees as determined at the time of COA calculation.
  • Amounts based on the degree-seeking program the student is first enrolled in (i.e., the newest cohort class for baccalaureate degree students, master’s degrees, online degrees, etc.).
  • New undergraduate students seeking a four-year degree qualify for the Falcon Tuition Guarantee (FTG) rates. Once assigned, the FTG rate is locked in for that cohort class for up to four years.
  • SFA assumes students will enroll at fulltime status (undergraduates = 12+crs/semester; graduates = 8+crs/semester). If a student does not enroll for fulltime, amounts are pro-rated to reflect actual enrollment. Contact SFA for more details on how a change in enrollment may impact a student’s financial aid.
  • Amount for students participating in an approved co-operative education program based on fulltime status.
  • Visit the BGSU Bursar Tuition and Fees webpage for more details on exact per credit hour rates by program type.

*The BGSU Board of Trustees meet in June annually to approve tuition rates that become effective for the next academic year (fall/spring/summer).

Non-Resident Fees

  • Out-of-state surcharge fee for students that live outside the state of Ohio.
  • SFA assumes students will enroll at fulltime status (undergraduates = 12+crs/semester; graduates = 8+crs/semester). If a student does not enroll for fulltime, amounts are pro-rated to reflect actual enrollment. Contact SFA for more details on how a change in enrollment may impact a student’s financial aid.
  • Visit the BGSU Bursar Tuition and Fees webpage for more details on exact per credit hour rates by program type.

Fees (Program and Other Administrative Fees)

  • Average amount of additional fees a student must pay as part of their program and enrollment to attend BGSU.
  • Fees may include: Technology, Career, Counseling, Registration, Facility, Legal Service, Media, Green, Upper Classmen Course Fees and Graduate Student Fees.
  • Additional fees such as course, lab, education abroad, Aerotech, health insurance and FLY Program fees may be added to the COA on a case-by-case basis once charges are reflected on the student’s Bursar bill.
  • Visit the BGSU Bursar Tuition and Fees webpage for current listing of fees.

On-campus Housing

  • Per federal financial aid regulations, COA housing amounts reflect the average costs of all on-campus housing options.
  • New undergraduate students seeking a four-year degree qualify for the Falcon Tuition Guarantee (FTG) rates. Once assigned, the FTG rate is locked in for that cohort class for up to four years.
  • See the BGSU student housing rates webpage for actual costs associated with the student’s residence hall of choice.

On-campus Food

  • Per federal financial aid regulations, COA food amounts must reflect an estimated cost of food for three meals per day/seven days per week.
  • New undergraduate students seeking a four-year degree qualify for the Falcon Tuition Guarantee (FTG) rates. Once assigned, the FTG rate is locked in for that cohort class for up to four years.
  • See the Dining Services Webpage for actual costs associated with the student’s BGSU meal plan of choice.

Parking Permit

  • As part of the transportation category, COA’s include the cost billed directly to students who purchase an annual parking permit.
  • See the Parking Services Webpage for exact costs and terms associated with a BGSU parking permit.

Indirect Costs – items that are not billed by BGSU, but student may have as an expense while enrolled

Off-campus Housing

  • Average costs of renting an apartment or house, plus utilities (including internet), in communities closest to the Bowling Green and Fireland’s Campus’.
  • Rates prorated based on the number of weeks in attendance each semester.
  • Rates for students in the Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) program based on Falcon Point Lofts rental.
  • Students who are part of the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and receiving a housing allowance are ineligible for COA Housing.
  • Per federal financial aid regulations, students enrolled less than ½ time status are ineligible for COA Housing.

Off-campus Food

  • Estimated amount of money it will cost a student to eat three meals a day, seven days a week in communities closest to the Bowling Green and Fireland’s Campus’.
  • Rates prorated based on the number of weeks in attendance each semester.
  • Per federal financial aid regulations, students enrolled less than ½ time status are ineligible for COA Food allowance.

Books and Supplies

  • Estimated costs for a BGSU student’s books and supplies for the school year.
  • Includes average cellphone service plans for online learning.
  • Amounts based on student surveys and adjusted annually based on Consumer Price Index (CPI).
  • Amounts will vary by individual student based on course/lab requirements and major.
  • Students enrolled only in a co-operative education program are ineligible for a COA Books & Supplies allowance.
  • Supplies may include the cost of a one-time computer purchase. Contact SFA for more information.

Transportation

  • Estimated costs for a BGSU student to travel to and from the BGSU campuses (i.e., commute to class, go home on breaks or weekends, commute to co-op/work).
  • Includes the cost of basic car maintenance, fuels, and on-campus parking pass.
  • Amounts based on student surveys and adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
  • Actual amounts will vary by individual student based on the amount and type of traveling the student completes.

Miscellaneous/Personal Expenses

  • Estimated cost for miscellaneous or personal items BGSU students may need while enrolled in classes.
  • Includes, but not limited to, the cost of essential clothing, personal care products & services (i.e., haircuts & products, laundry, toothpaste, deodorant), medical care & services not covered by insurance (i.e., aspirin, first aid kit), as well as small allowance for recreation commodities (i.e., cable tv, movies, sporting events).
  • Amounts based on student surveys and adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
  • Actual amounts will vary by individual student choices.
  • Per federal financial aid regulations, students enrolled less than ½ time status are ineligible for COA Miscellaneous/Personal Expense allowance.

Professional Licensure or Certificate Expenses

  • Additional costs some students may incur to obtain their first professional licensure or certificate prior to graduation.
  • Costs must be incurred by the student while enrolled.
  • Includes expenses such as BCI/FBI background checks, state assessment tests (i.e., OAE, State Nursing Exam) and Social Work License.
  • Average amounts are automatically added to the student’s COA based on their year in school and academic program.

Loan Fees

  • Average cost of Direct Loan origination fees when student or parent borrows a Federal Direct Loan.

COA Charts

Below you will find COA charts based on student cohorts. A cohort at BGSU is a group of students who enrolled in the same academic year. Students can find their cohort by logging in to their MyBGSU Student Center.



CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR COHORTS:

 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$14,774 
Fees$730 
Housing**$8,160 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$30,582  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$41,890  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$14,774 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$32,270  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$40,260  
 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$8,522 
Fees$730 
Housing**$8,160 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$27,648  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$35,638  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$8,522 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$26,018  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$34,008  
 Off-Campus StudentsBGSU Online
11-Week Program
Direct CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,126$10,234 
Fees$510$170 
Housing**$5,400$8,286 
Food**$4,412$4,412 
Books/Supplies$860$860 
Loan Fees$40$40 
Pers/Misc$1,760$2,934 
Transportation$1,200$1,200 
OH Resident TOTAL$27,308$28,136  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990$264 
Non-resident TOTAL$35,298$28,400  
 7-Week Program
14-Week Program
Direct CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$6,000$6,000 
Fees$16$16 
Housing**$0$0 
Food**$2,808$5,616 
Books/Supplies$860$860 
Loan Fees$40$40 
Pers/Misc$1,606$3,212 
Transportation$800$1,000 
OH Resident TOTAL$12,130$16,744  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$0$0 
Non-resident TOTAL$12,130$16,744  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$6,436 
Fees$260 
Housing**$9,000 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$26,612  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$34,602  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$5,338 
Fees$260 
Housing**$9,000 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$25,514  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$33,504  
 BGSU Online
(Main Campus 7 weeks)
BGSU Online
(Main Campus, 14-Weeks)
BGSU Online
(Fire Campus, 14-Weeks)
Distance
(15-Weeks)
Direct CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$5,117$5,204$2,669$5,117 
Fees$205$205$85$205 
Housing**$2,602$5,208$5,204$5,575 
Food**$1,404$2,808$2,808$3,008 
Books/Supplies$430$430$430$430 
Loan Fees$20$20$20$20 
Pers/Misc$933$1,866$1,866$2,000 
Trans$400$800$400$800 
OH Resident TOTAL$11,111$16,450$13,552$17,155  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$132$132$132$132 
Non-resident TOTAL$11,243$16,582$13,684$17,287  
 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$9,176 
Fees$680 
Housing**$8,160 
Food**$6,016 
Health Insurance$1,940 
Books/Supplies$710 
Loan Fees$102 
Pers/Misc$2,800 
Trans$920 
TOTAL$30,504  
Non-Res Fee$5,326 
TOTAL Non-OH RESIDENT$35,830  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$9,176 
Fees$680 
Housing**$7,170 
Food**$6,016 
Health Insurance$1,940  
Books/Supplies$710 
Loan Fees$102 
Pers/Misc$2,800 
Trans$1,600 
TOTAL$30,194  
Non-Res Fee$5,326 
TOTAL Non-OH RESIDENT$35,520  
 BGSU Online
(Main Campus 7 weeks)
BGSU Online
(Main Campus, 14-Weeks)
Distance
(15-Weeks)
Direct CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$4,145$4,145$4,145 
Fees$115$115$115 
Housing**$2,602$5,204$5,575 
Food**$1,404$2,808$3,008 
Books/Supplies$355$355$355 
Loan Fees$51$51$51 
Pers/Misc$933$1,866$2,000 
Trans$400$800$800 
OH Resident TOTAL$10,005$15,344$16,049  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$88$88$88 
Non-resident TOTAL$10,093$15,432$16,137  
 0 Credit Hours1-4 Credit HoursDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$0$2,817 
Fees$0$145 
Housing**

$3,685

$3,008

$3,685

$3,008

 
Food**
Books/Supplies$0$0 
Loan Fees$20$20 
Pers/Misc$1,200$1,200 
Transportation$460$460 
TOTAL$8,373$11,335  
Non-res Fee$0$13,000 
TOTAL Non-OH RESIDENT$8,373$26,000  
 0 Credit Hours1-4 Credit HoursDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$0$2,817 
Fees$0$145 
Housing**$2,910$2,910 
Food**$3,008$3,008 
Books/Supplies$0$0 
Loan Fees$20$20 
Pers/Misc$1,200$1,200 
Transportation$800$800 
OH Resident TOTAL$7,938$10,900  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$0$12,565 
Non-resident TOTAL$7,938$25,130  
 Year 1
Fall/Spring
Year 2   

Year 3   

Direct Costs*Indirect Costs***
Tuition$26,080TBATBA 
Fees$0   
Housing/Food$29,194   
Books/Supplies$0   
Loan Fees$0   
Pers/Misc$4,256   
Trans$9,240   
TOTAL$68,862    
Non-res Fee$0   
TOTAL NON-OH RESIDENT$68,862    
 

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Direct Costs*

Indirect Costs***

Tuition$29,667TBATBA 
Fees$0   
Housing/Food$40,032   
Books/Supplies$0   
Loan Fees$102   
Pers/Misc$4,256   
Trans$11,960   
TOTAL$86,017    
Non-res Fee$0   
TOTAL NON-OH RESIDENT$86,017    

KEY:
Direct Costs - All direct costs are estimates until approved by the BGSU Board of Trustees.
Indirect Costs - Actual indirect costs vary depending on consumer lifestyle choices.
** Amounts reflect average costs per federal regulations. Actual costs will be based on student's meal plan and residence hall of choice.



ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC YEAR COHORTS:

 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$14,344 
Fees$730 
Housing**$7,830 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$33,140  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$41,130  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$14,344 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$31,840  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$39,830  
 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,926 
Fees$730 
Housing**$7,600 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$32,492  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$40,482  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,926 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$31,422  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$39,412  
 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,520 
Fees$730 
Housing**$7,400 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$31,886  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$39,876  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,520 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$31,016  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$39,006  
 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,126 
Fees$730 
Housing**$7,200 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$31,292  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$39,282  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$13,126 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$30,622  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$38,612  
 On-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$11,456 
Fees$860 
Housing**$8,160 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$920 
OH Resident TOTAL$30,582  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$38,752  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$11,456 
Fees$730 
Housing**$5,850 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$28,952  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$36,942  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$6,452 
Fees$260 
Housing**$9,000 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$26,628  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$34,618  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$6,266 
Fees$260 
Housing**$9,000 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$26,442  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$34,432  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$6,082 
Fees$260 
Housing**$9,000 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$26,258  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$34,248  
 Off-Campus StudentsDirect CostsIndirect Costs
Tuition$5,908 
Fees$260 
Housing**$9,000 
Food**$6,016 
Books/Supplies$860 
Loan Fees$40 
Pers/Misc$2,400 
Transportation$1,600 
OH Resident TOTAL$26,084  
Non-OH Residents
add non-resident fee
$7,990 
Non-resident TOTAL$34,074  
 Year 1
Fall/Spring
Year 2 Summer/Fall/SpringYear 3

Direct Costs*Indirect Costs***
Tuition$21,378$42,756TBA 
Fees$0$0  
Housing/Food$23,352$38,352 
Books/Supplies$0$0 
Loan Fees$102$153 
Pers/Misc$6,000$6118 
Trans$4,650$18,580 
TOTAL$64,458$105,959  
Non-res Fee$0$0 
TOTAL NON-OH RESIDENT$64,458$105,959  

*Includes flat rate for two-year program fees; divided over three financial aid years.
**Actual costs may vary depending on consumer lifestyle choices. Based on online rates + additional costs for travel to/from BGSU for labs and clinicals required for the program.

 Year 1
Fall/Spring
Year 2
(Summer/Fall/Spring)
Year 3
(Summer)
Direct Costs*Indirect Costs***
Tuition$32,940$49,404$16,470 
Fees$0$0$0 
Housing/Food$17,500$32,844$17,514 
Books/Supplies$0$0$0 
Loan Fees$102$102$51 
Pers/Misc$3,968$5,750$1,862 
Trans$5,825$13,250$4,900 
TOTAL$67,375$110,003$40,797  
Non-res Fee$0$0$0 
TOTAL NON-OH RESIDENT$67,375$110,003$40,797  
 

Year 2

Year 3

Direct Costs*

Indirect Costs***

Tuition$45,500TBA 
Fees$0  
Housing/Food$49,276  
Books/Supplies$0  
Loan Fees$153  
Pers/Misc$6,122  
Trans$16,955  
TOTAL$118,006   
Non-res Fee$0  
TOTAL NON-OH RESIDENT$118,006   

KEY:
Direct Costs - All direct costs are estimates until approved by the BGSU Board of Trustees.
Indirect Costs - Actual indirect costs vary depending on consumer lifestyle choices.
** Amounts reflect average costs per federal regulations. Actual costs will be based on student's meal plan and residence hall of choice.

Updated: 03/04/2026 12:46PM