Right programs, right size, right place: BGSU located in the No. 1 best small college town in Ohio, top 10 in the Midwest, according to WalletHub

City of Bowling Green recognized for its opportunities, social scene and overall affordability

Bowling Green State University is located in what WalletHub named the No. 1 best small college town in Ohio and among the top 10 in the Midwest for 2025, reaffirming Bowling Green, Ohio, as the right place to provide students with a quintessential college experience.

In addition to being located in an ideal college town, Bowling Green also empowers students with the right in-demand programs and is the right size to offer all the opportunities of a large school, yet small enough so that each student can actually take advantage of the experiences.

In WalletHub’s latest rankings, the personal finance company named the city of Bowling Green as one of the nation's best small college towns based on three primary factors: access to academic and career growth opportunities, social environment and overall affordability. From its celebrated small shops and restaurants to its close-knit community, Bowling Green fits the bill in every category for this year's rankings.

“There is incredible momentum at Bowling Green State University, and being located in such a welcoming, supportive and safe community like Bowling Green that embraces the University is, in large part, why more and more students want to join our learning community,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “From its great local businesses to its engaging year-round events and activities, we have long known that Bowling Green is one of the best small college towns in the nation. This recognition reaffirms our longstanding connection with the city, which provides multiple opportunities for students and residents to connect with one another, both on campus and in the community.”

"This recognition highlights what we in Bowling Green already know – that our community and University share something truly special," Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher said. "The close collaboration between the City and BGSU has created an environment where innovation, opportunity and a strong sense of belonging come together to make Bowling Green an outstanding place to live, learn and grow. Being named Ohio’s best small college town is a reflection of the pride we take in our community, our partnership with the University and the welcoming spirit that defines Bowling Green."

Right programs

Committed to meeting workforce needs in Ohio and beyond, BGSU continues to invest in the right programs that are sought after by both students and employers, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics – or STEM – and healthcare fields.

Building on its longstanding ABET-accredited offerings in applied engineering education, BGSU continues to see growth in its robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering offerings. By 2026, students will learn while gaining hands-on experience on the latest robotics and advanced manufacturing technology in the new, state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center.

As the first university in the nation to offer a customizable AI+X bachelor’s degree, BGSU also is drawing interest from current and prospective students in the innovative program, which combines a core education in AI with a secondary discipline in one of six areas to allow for the study of field-specific solutions to support AI-driven tools and applications.

Additional academic programs at BGSU drawing interest from students include business, construction management, education, exercise science, nursing, psychology and mental health-related studies.

Right size

Big enough to offer the resources of a large, comprehensive university, but small enough to provide meaningful learning experiences, BGSU gives students opportunities to grow academically and personally, both in and out of the classroom.

Grounded in design thinking principles, BGSU also continues to be the right size to integrate its nationally recognized Life Design program into every stage of a student’s academic and career journey, empowering them to be curious, reframe challenges and take action.

Home to more than 300 student organizations, BGSU offers a vibrant, connected learning community with countless opportunities for engagement, including with the Falcon Marching Band, which serves as the largest student organization on campus and as one of the nation's biggest collegiate marching bands.

In addition to competing in NCAA Division I athletics in the Mid-American Conference, BGSU has competitive, non-scholarship club sports teams that play against opponents from colleges and universities nationwide.

Right place

As Ohio's best small college town, Bowling Green offers multiple ways for students to engage with and be part of the broader community, serving as the right place for a true college experience.

Through a longstanding connection with BGSU, the city of Bowling Green has collaborated with the University throughout the years on multiple signature events to ensure students are welcomed in the community, including RallyBG on Main, Black Swamp Arts Festival, Firefly Nights, BG Farmers' Market and the BG Community Holiday Parade.

Bowling Green also provides students and residents with ways to support their health and well-being with four distinct parks, a city pool, a community center and year-round special events and programming. The city also serves as a main entrance to the Slippery Elm Trail, a 13-mile asphalt multi-use trail for walking, bicycling and in-line skating.

Along with its latest accolades, the city of Bowling Green has also been recognized as one of the safest college towns in the nation, the No. 3 most-popular college town in America and as an Ohio Magazine Best Hometown multiple times.