BGSU reaches highest retention in history, welcomes one of its largest classes ever for Fall 2023 semester

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - With Fall 2023 semester underway, Bowling Green State University is experiencing continued growth in student enrollment and success.

This fall, BGSU welcomed one of its largest classes and the highest-achieving freshman class in history with new, first-time student enrollment up 7% at nearly 3,500 students.

The BGSU Class of 2027 has the highest grade point average in University history at 3.67 with the Honors College welcoming nearly 400 new scholars. The number of top scholars attending BGSU this fall is up 20% compared to last academic year.

The University is also seeing significant growth in out-of-state student enrollment, with a 12% increase in new, first-time students. This fall, BGSU has students enrolled from all 50 states and 81 countries, with international student enrollment up 6% from last year.

Additionally, student success and retention at BGSU is at an all-time high of 80%, highlighting the University's commitment to student success and outcomes and comprehensive opportunities.

“As a public university for the public good, increased enrollment has a positive impact on our region and state, with more students choosing to come here for their education and enter our growing academic programs and fields that are in great demand across Ohio,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “We are steadfast in our commitment to supporting and empowering our students to take advantage of all BGSU has to offer as a comprehensive, 21st century university in one of America’s top-ranked college towns."

Total headcount at BGSU on the 15th day of classes of Fall 2023 semester was 18,966 students taking 229,457 credit hours, an increase over last year. Overall headcount at the same time last fall was 18,792 students taking 227,363 credit hours. Undergraduate enrollment on the Bowling Green campus is up 1.5% with a slight decrease in graduate enrollment of 56 students. Enrollment at BGSU Firelands is up nearly 5%.

"Enrollment at BGSU remains strong as we see increased enrollment overall and students remaining at the University to continue their education," said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for Enrollment Management. "We are particularly pleased with continued growth in our new freshman class. BGSU provides educational opportunities unparalleled at a public university in terms of the learning experiences and level of support, while remaining an education of value. As we continue to innovate to redefine student success through programs like Life Design, we look forward to seeing enrollment move in a positive direction."

Committed to meeting workforce needs, BGSU is continually investing in in-demand academic programs, including architecture, aviation, business, education, nursing, mechanical and manufacturing engineering technology, all of which are experiencing increased enrollment this fall. Additionally, new programs in manufacturing engineering, robotics engineering and computer engineering are set to be launched next fall, demonstrating the University's continued commitment to meeting workforce demands.

BGSU is continuing to accept applications and enroll students for Fall 2023 semester with second session starting on Oct. 11.

With more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs, BGSU is among the top 10 public universities in the nation for undergraduate teaching, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Last week, BGSU earned the ranking of the No. 1 university in Ohio for student experience, according to the latest rankings by The Wall Street Journal. For the fourth year in a row, BGSU has been named the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again. This year, the University also climbed to the top-spot for that same ranking in the West, Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, according to The Wall Street Journal.

To learn more about BGSU and to apply, visit BGSU.edu/Admissions.