BGSU ranked among the nation's top 20% of public universities by U.S. News & World Report

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” report, ranking in the top 20% nationwide and among the best in Ohio, reporting record retention rates for first-year students.

This year’s overall rankings place BGSU at No. 293 nationally among the more than 1,700 four-year colleges and universities included in the ranking and in the top 10% of the country’s more than 2,600 colleges and universities.

This marks the 20th consecutive year BGSU has been recognized among the nation’s “Best Colleges.”

“Like our peers, Bowling Green State University is pleased to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report, providing an external validation of the quality of our academic offerings,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “At the end of the day, though, we want students and families to know that while rankings are nice, when it comes to their college experience, we want them to choose a university that will allow them to experience college the best way for them. Strong, solid academic offerings are the foundation of any college experience, yes, but at Bowling Green, in addition to our academics, we are also incredibly proud of the comprehensive student experience, because we know it isn’t just where you go to college that matters – it’s how. That’s why we are intentionally empowering students through Life Design to get the most out of their college experience at Bowling Green, with meaningful learning opportunities and connections that lead to great careers and great lives.”

The University has maintained its rankings of overall excellence for two straight decades by providing an education of value, investing in in-demand academic programs and launching innovative programs like Life Design, which serves as a significant differentiator by empowering students to take an active and intentional role in designing their college experience, preparing them for great careers and great lives.

In addition to the overall rankings, undergraduate programs with strong showings in the 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings include engineering, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years; computer science, the first program of its kind at a public university in Ohio; and nursing and psychology, ranked among the best in the state among public universities.

Engineering
BGSU undergraduate engineering programs, which rank among the top 100 nationwide and at No. 4 among public universities in Ohio without a doctoral program, are the highest-ranked programs at a public university in northwest Ohio. This distinction highlights the strength of the University's undergraduate-focused approach, giving students direct access to top faculty and hands-on opportunities from day one.

The University has made significant investments in its engineering programs, including the new state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center, a 24,000-square-foot addition to the current technology building.

The building, set to open in the spring, will feature leading technology that mimics what students will encounter in the workplace, ensuring they are career-ready upon graduation.

The University’s engineering programs in robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering were reimagined in 2024 to provide students with the skills to address a myriad of modern engineering challenges.

Computer science
The University’s pioneering computer science program climbed 36 spots in the rankings this year to No. 245 nationally – its highest ranking in the past three years – and No. 6 among the state’s public universities.

BGSU established its computer science program more than five decades ago, becoming Ohio’s first public university to offer an undergraduate degree in computer science long before it became the in-demand field it is today.

The program has continued to evolve and adapt to workforce needs, now offering specializations in cybersecurity and computational data science, with many graduates building careers in Big Tech.

Nursing
The University’s highly regarded nursing program, already one of the largest in northwest Ohio, also improved in this year’s national rankings.

Since establishing a standalone School of Nursing in 2020 and enrolling its first cohort in 2021, the nursing program has grown consistently, necessitating the addition of a spring enrollment.

The program's success is further demonstrated in its student outcomes. Nearly 100% of BGSU nursing students are employed at graduation, with about three-fourths securing conditional job offers months before earning their degrees.

Psychology
BGSU improved its rankings for psychology to No. 2 in Ohio among public universities and No. 152 nationally, up 28 spots from last year.

The psychology program not only earned strong rankings but also boasts one of Ohio’s most active research programs, providing undergraduates with ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research in the mental healthcare and well-being field.

Business
The University’s national rankings in business also improved this year, moving up two spots to No. 174, placing the program in the top 5 among Ohio’s public universities.