BGSU Firelands nationally recognized for advancing student access and post-graduation success

HURON, Ohio – Bowling Green State University Firelands has been named an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education for exceeding benchmarks in advancing educational access and graduate earnings outcomes, placing it among only 16% of colleges and universities nationwide with a similar designation.

The national recognition is part of the inaugural 2025 Student Access and Postsecondary Earnings Classification, which was developed through a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of nearly 4,000 degree-granting institutions across the country.

BGSU Firelands, the University's regional campus in Huron, Ohio, was included based on an independent review of public data regarding its performance in two key areas: enrolling more Pell Grant-eligible students than average and producing career-ready graduates who earn more than projected for their region.

BGSU Firelands Dean Allia Carter said the college was selected because of its deep commitment to affordability, student support and career readiness, traits that serve as a hallmark of a BGSU education.

"This designation is more than a badge of honor, it’s a reflection of what happens when a college and its community work in partnership to remove barriers and build futures," Carter said. "At BGSU Firelands, we’ve long believed that access to education should lead to opportunity. This recognition affirms that we are delivering on that promise, not only for our students, but for the economic and social vitality of our region. This is a collective achievement, and we share it with every teacher, donor, employer, family and student who believes in what we’re building together."

The national recognition closely aligns with the values that have guided BGSU Firelands and will continue to shape its future, Carter said.

“BGSU Firelands is deeply committed to advancing lives and careers through accessible education for all," she said. “We believe in empowering students through education that is both accessible and transformative. The Carnegie recognition validates these principles and reinforces the direction we’re taking as we grow and evolve our campus mission.”

“For our students – especially those balancing work, family and school – it shows that they’re investing in an education that delivers meaningful outcomes,” added PJ Mays, assistant dean for institutional effectiveness at BGSU Firelands. “For the north central Ohio region, it highlights BGSU Firelands as a vital economic engine helping to retain talent, uplift families and strengthen the local workforce.”

Carter said the recognition also bolsters the overall momentum and mission at BGSU, as the Huron campus continues to explore new partnerships, programs and priorities to drive student success.

“This distinction reinforces BGSU Firelands as a nationally recognized leader in student access and outcomes,” she said. “It strengthens our case for new partnerships, innovative programming and expanded investment. It also inspires us to think even more boldly about the role our campus can play in shaping economic and educational futures across the region.”

For more information about BGSU Firelands and to apply, visit BGSU.edu/firelands.