Scholarships and grants
BGSU awards about $39 million in scholarships to incoming freshmen.
- Merit scholarships based on grades – $1,000-$9,500 a year for four years
- Thompson Working Families Scholarship – up to $11,000 a year for students who show need, academic success and community service
- Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy – full in-state tuition for student leaders
Loans
- Federal or private loans can bridge the gap after scholarships and grants.
- $18,255 – average total student loan amount for a BGSU bachelor’s degree
- Our student loan default rate is well below the national average. This shows that our graduates are able to repay what they borrow.
Jobs
Many students work part-time during college, often through federal work-study.
It helps pay the bill – and builds real-world skills.
Your return on investment
If you're still wondering whether college is worth it, the answer is yes – especially at BGSU.
See what a BGSU degree can do for you.
Public university in the nation for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
Public university in Ohio for learning facilities
The Wall Street Journal
public university in Ohio for learning opportunities
The Wall Street Journal
Nationally recognized for student experience
The Wall Street Journal
The bottom line
College is a serious investment – an investment in you. At BGSU, it’s one that pays off.
Don’t take our word for it. For six years in a row, our students have spoken loud and clear about the value of their BGSU experience.
Top 5 university in the nation – #1 university in Ohio – students say they’d choose again
The Wall Street Journal
Ready to explore more about BGSU?
Updated: 08/28/2026 02:16PM