Bowling Green State University-Main Campus (BGSU) vs Western Michigan University (WMU)

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus and Western Michigan University, both esteemed public universities in the Midwest, offer distinct educational experiences. Bowling Green boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Western Michigan, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. While both universities offer a diverse range of majors, Bowling Green excels in fields like business, education, and health professions, while Western Michigan shines in engineering, nursing, and aviation. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover more key differences, including student body demographics, tuition fees, and campus life, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus	Western Michigan University
Overview
Location	Bowling Green, Ohio	Kalamazoo, Michigan
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	78.0%	77.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.7%	82.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1020 - 1210	1000 - 1220
ACT range	20 - 25	21 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	37.0%
Students submitting ACT score	64.0%	7.0%
Total number of applicants	18,295	18,853
Total number of admissions given out	14,404	15,612
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,760	2,112
Yield rate	19.2%	13.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,189 Out of state: $34,177	In state: $27,947 Out of state: $31,281
Average net price	$16,684	$19,749
Tuition	In state: $10,776 Out of state: $18,764	In state: $13,334 Out of state: $16,668
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,170 Meal plan: $4,804	$10,884
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $7,888	95.0% Average amount $6,352
Students receiving federal student loan	57.0% Average amount $5,305	49.0% Average amount $5,188
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $13,247	10.0% Average amount $15,132

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,465 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	14,587 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%
Graduate students	3,180 Men 37.9% Women 62.1%	3,679 Men 37.4% Women 62.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	23.8%
International students	4.0%	7.3%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,911	5,130
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio Michigan Illinois Indiana New York	Michigan Illinois Indiana Wisconsin Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.5%	56.3%
Dropout rate	13.3%	14.6%
Transferred out	23.0%	25.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,102 Year 3: $83,744 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,302 Year 2: $79,688 Year 3: $76,011 Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $62,772 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $75,005 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,793 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $74,656 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,119 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $74,156 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $65,131 Year 3: $71,653 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,158 Year 2: $62,154 Year 3: $70,152 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,435 Year 2: $64,829 Year 3: $68,794 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,054 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $67,036 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $65,091	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,212 Year 2: $103,274 Year 3: $105,179 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,392 Year 2: $73,801 Year 3: $88,332 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $87,977 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,143 Year 2: $65,945 Year 3: $79,982 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,346 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $77,922 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,069 Year 2: $73,562 Year 3: $77,263 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,557 Year 2: $70,776 Year 3: $75,447 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,559 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,968 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,118 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $72,465 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,803 Year 2: $59,576 Year 3: $69,288

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Western Michigan University (WMU)?

BGSU is located in Bowling Green, Ohio, a smaller, more traditional college town setting. This offers a close-knit community feel and a more relaxed atmosphere. WMU, on the other hand, is situated in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a mid-sized city with a more diverse and urban environment. WMU's campus is also larger, providing a wider range of activities and a more expansive feel.
How do the academic programs at BGSU and WMU compare?

Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. BGSU is particularly strong in education, business, and the arts, with a notable aviation program. WMU is well-regarded for its engineering, aviation, and business programs, and also has a strong focus on health sciences. The specific strengths of each program should be considered based on your individual academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at BGSU versus WMU?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information, including potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at BGSU and WMU?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. BGSU has a strong Greek life presence and a focus on campus traditions. WMU boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of activities, including a strong athletic program and a variety of student organizations catering to different interests. The specific activities and social scenes will vary, so consider what type of environment best suits your personality.
How do the athletic programs at BGSU and WMU compare?

Both universities are members of the NCAA Division I. WMU is known for its strong football program, often competing at a high level in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). BGSU also has a competitive athletic program, with notable success in sports like hockey and football. The level of athletic competition and the specific sports offered will be key factors to consider if you are interested in participating in or following college athletics.
What are the career services and opportunities like at BGSU and WMU?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, internships, and career planning. They offer resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. WMU, being located in a larger city, may offer more immediate access to a wider range of internship and job opportunities within the Kalamazoo area. However, both universities have strong alumni networks and connections to employers across the region and beyond.
How does the campus housing compare at BGSU and WMU?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. BGSU generally has a more traditional residence hall experience, while WMU offers a variety of housing styles, including suite-style living. The specific housing options, amenities, and costs will vary, so it's important to explore the details on each university's website to find the best fit for your needs.
What are the transportation options on and around the campuses of BGSU and WMU?

Both universities provide transportation options for students. BGSU offers a campus shuttle system to navigate the campus and surrounding areas. WMU also has a campus bus system and is located in a city with public transportation options. The availability of public transportation and the walkability of the campus and surrounding areas should be considered when choosing a university.
How do the graduation rates and student retention rates compare between BGSU and WMU?

Both universities strive to support student success. Graduation rates and student retention rates can vary slightly between the institutions. It's recommended to check the most recent data available on each university's website or through the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard to compare these metrics and assess student success outcomes.
Which university, BGSU or WMU, is a better fit for me?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, preferred social scene, and career goals. If you prefer a smaller, more traditional college town, BGSU might be a better choice. If you prefer a larger city with a more diverse environment and a wider range of programs, WMU might be a better fit. Visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching specific programs of interest will help you make an informed decision.

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