June 2026

University News

Why Bowling Green State University is Michigan students’ top out-of-state college choice

BGSU is the top out-of-state choice for Michigan students, according to newly released data. (BGSU photo)

Michigan students are choosing a college experience built for success

More Michigan students chose Bowling Green State University than any other out-of-state college or university in 2025, according to newly released data from the National Student Clearinghouse and Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information. From affordable tuition and personalized support to career preparation and success after graduation, Michigan students continue to find value in a BGSU education.

Key Highlights

Affordable tuition close to home

Students from Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne counties can attend Bowling Green State University at the same cost as Ohio residents.

Support that helps students succeed

Through Bowling Green's nationally recognized Career and Life Design program, students gain the skills and tools needed to navigagte college and prepare for life after graduation.

Degrees that lead to strong careers

Bowling Green invests in high-demand degree programs and industry partnerships that help students launch successful careers.

"If I had to do it all over again, I would 100% choose BGSU again.”

ANNA HARRISON '26
NURSING | BEDFORD, MICHIGAN

"My experiences at BGSU 100% prepared me for this project and many projects to come."

JESSICA ENGLISH '15
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Top choice

#1

Choice among
Michigan students

Recent data reveals BGSU is the top out-of-state public university Michigan residents attended in Fall 2025

More Michigan students chose Bowling Green State University than any other out-of-state college or university in 2025, according to newly released data from the National Student Clearinghouse and Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information.

From affordable tuition and personalized support to career preparation and success after graduation, Michigan students continue to find value in a BGSU education.

Affordable tuition close to home

Michigan students from Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne counties can attend Bowling Green State University at the same cost as Ohio residents. The in-state tuition scholarship provides Michigan students who meet the eligibility requirements with $7,988 to cover out-of-state fees. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years as part of the Falcon Tuition Guarantee.

Located just south of the Michigan border, BGSU offers students the opportunity to attend a nationally recognized public university while remaining close to home.

Support that helps students succeed

At Bowling Green, students have access to the University’s nationally recognized Career and Life Design program, which equips them with the tools they need to navigate college and prepare for life after graduation through one-on-one coaching, career exploration and intentional planning.

The additional support provided through the program, which is available to every undergraduate student, is making a meaningful difference in how students approach, navigate and succeed in college and their careers. 

Degrees that lead to strong careers

Bowling Green continues to invest in high-demand degree programs sought after by both students and employers, with 98% of BGSU graduates reporting they are employed, enrolled in graduate school or starting their own business within six months of graduation.

The college-to-career pipeline is further supported by the University’s robust network of industry partnerships, which lead to internships, co-ops, and professional networking. 

A drone image of BGSU campus
Michigan students continue to find value in a BGSU education, which many students can now get at the same cost as Ohio residents. (BGSU photo)

What Michigan students say about their BGSU experience

Thousands of Michigan students have chosen BGSU over the years and built successful careers in education, healthcare, business, politics, engineering and beyond. Here are a few of their stories.

Anna Harrison '26
Bedford, Michigan | Nursing

Anna Harrison, a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bowling Green. Originally from Bedford, Michigan, Harrison is on track to becoming a commissioned officer in the Air Force Nurse Corps, where she’ll care for service members and their families at a military base in Alaska. 

“My experience at BGSU has prepared me not only for my career academically but also my confidence and my ability to communicate with other nurses, providers and patients,” Harrison said. “Nursing school is very challenging, but I think when you have a supportive team, an amazing program and professors to help you along the way, it makes that experience 10 times better. If I had to do it all over again, I would 100% choose BGSU again.”

Meadow Glass ‘25
Bad Axe, Michigan | Exercise science and physical therapy

As an exercise science major, Meadow Glass gained hands-on experience working with Division I athletes, athletic trainers and community physical therapy clinics that built the skills and confidence she needed to continue her journey in the BGSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She plans to become a pediatric physical therapist. 

"I fell in love with the small-town, big-city feel of campus," Glass said. "I am excited to return to campus and feel well prepared for the coursework and rigor of the program."  


Jessica English ‘15
Detroit, Michigan | Construction management

Jessica English credits the co-ops she completed in college with helping her launch her career. As the capital project manager for the Detroit People Mover, English led a $4.5 million rail system renovation that upgraded nearly 7,000 feet of track in downtown Detroit.

“My experiences at BGSU 100% prepared me for this project and many projects to come,” English said. “I learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, organization, time management, and took all of those things I learned at BGSU and apply them to every single project that I have today.”


Christopher Scott ‘11
Detroit, Michigan | Film

Christopher Scott built a career in national politics, working on and leading historic campaigns while helping shape political organizations across the country. Most recently, Scott served as coalition director for former Vice President Kamala Harris and as campaign manager for Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.

"If I could do it all over again, I would still choose BG," said Scott. "BGSU gave me the foundation I needed, helped set the direction for my career and gave me a lifetime of memories, friends, mentees and opportunities."

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349

Updated: 06/23/2026 10:41AM