Kent State vs Bowling Green State University-Main Campus (BGSU)

Kent State University at Kent and Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, both esteemed public universities in Ohio, offer distinct educational experiences. Kent State boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Bowling Green maintains a slightly smaller student population. Kent State excels in fields like business, education, and nursing, while Bowling Green shines in programs such as music, visual and performing arts, and engineering. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus	Kent State University at Kent
Overview
Location	Bowling Green, Ohio	Kent, Ohio
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Large
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%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.7%	87.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $45
SAT range	1020 - 1210	1000 - 1210
ACT range	20 - 25	19 - 25
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	18.0%
Students submitting ACT score	64.0%	66.0%
Total number of applicants	18,295	19,881
Total number of admissions given out	14,404	17,359
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,760	4,050
Yield rate	19.2%	23.3%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,189 Out of state: $34,177	In state: $27,954 Out of state: $36,830
Average net price	$16,684	$18,947
Tuition	In state: $10,776 Out of state: $18,764	In state: $11,774 Out of state: $20,650
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,170 Meal plan: $4,804	Room/dormitory: $8,417 Meal plan: $5,666
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $7,888	91.0% Average amount $8,401
Students receiving federal student loan	57.0% Average amount $5,305	56.0% Average amount $5,405
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $13,247	10.0% Average amount $13,210

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,465 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	21,133 Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Graduate students	3,180 Men 37.9% Women 62.1%	5,464 Men 33.3% Women 66.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	19.7%
International students	4.0%	5.2%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,911	5,674
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	Ohio Pennsylvania New York Illinois Michigan

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Health Professions Education Business Visual & Performing Arts Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.5%	67.7%
Dropout rate	13.3%	9.4%
Transferred out	23.0%	21.3%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,715 Year 2: $89,685 Year 3: $100,554 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,015 Year 2: $72,734 Year 3: $77,710 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,597 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $77,296 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,552 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $75,264 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,262 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $66,878 Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,914 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $65,790 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,436 Year 2: $57,619 Year 3: $65,215 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $55,674 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $65,118 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,124 Year 2: $49,019 Year 3: $63,596 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,648 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $63,476

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Kent State University and Bowling Green State University?

Kent State University is located in Kent, Ohio, a city with a more urban feel and a vibrant downtown area directly adjacent to the campus. Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is situated in Bowling Green, Ohio, a smaller, more traditional college town environment. BGSU's campus is known for its classic architecture and a more self-contained feel, while Kent State offers easier access to a wider range of off-campus activities and amenities.
How do the academic programs compare at Kent State and Bowling Green State?

Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Kent State is particularly strong in areas like fashion design, journalism, and nursing. BGSU is well-regarded for its programs in education, business, and aviation. The specific strengths of each university can vary depending on the department, so it's important to research the programs that interest you most at each institution.
What is the cost of attendance like at Kent State versus Bowling Green State?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Kent State and Bowling Green State for in-state students. However, costs can vary depending on the specific program, living arrangements, and financial aid received. 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 tuition and fee information and to explore financial aid options.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at Kent State and Bowling Green State?

Both universities offer a robust student life experience with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. Kent State has a larger student body, which can translate to a wider variety of clubs and a more diverse student population. BGSU fosters a strong sense of community and school spirit, particularly evident in its athletic events. The specific activities and social scenes will vary, so consider what kind of environment best suits your interests.
What are the athletic programs like at Kent State and Bowling Green State?

Both universities are members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and compete in NCAA Division I athletics. BGSU is known for its strong hockey program and has a history of success in football and other sports. Kent State has a competitive football program and has achieved success in various sports. The level of athletic competition and school spirit is high at both institutions, providing ample opportunities for students to support their teams.
How does the housing situation compare at Kent State and Bowling Green State?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Kent State has a variety of residence halls, including traditional dorms and suite-style living. BGSU also provides a range of housing choices, including residence halls and apartment-style living. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's advisable to apply for housing early and explore the different options offered by each university.
What are the career services and opportunities like at Kent State and Bowling Green State?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job searching. They offer career fairs, workshops, and counseling services. The specific career opportunities available to students may vary depending on the program of study and the university's connections with employers. Researching the career services offered by each university and exploring their alumni networks can be beneficial.
How do the campus safety and security measures compare at Kent State and Bowling Green State?

Both universities prioritize campus safety and security. They have campus police departments, emergency alert systems, and various safety initiatives. The specific safety measures and resources available may vary, so it's recommended to review the campus safety information provided by each university to understand their approach to ensuring a safe environment for students.
Which university is better for me, Kent State or Bowling Green State?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as your desired academic program, campus environment, cost of attendance, and extracurricular interests. If you prefer a more urban setting with a wider range of off-campus activities, Kent State might be a better fit. If you prefer a close-knit college town with a strong sense of community, Bowling Green State could be a better choice. Visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs that interest you will help you make an informed decision.

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