UC-Cincinnati vs Bowling Green State University-Main Campus (BGSU)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, both esteemed public universities in Ohio, offer distinct experiences. The University of Cincinnati boasts a higher acceptance rate, a more diverse student body, and a wider range of popular majors, including engineering, business, and nursing. On the other hand, Bowling Green State University offers a smaller student body, a lower student-to-faculty ratio, and a focus on liberal arts and education. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Bowling Green, Ohio	Cincinnati, Ohio
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: 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%	87.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.7%	84.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1020 - 1210	1150 - 1350
ACT range	20 - 25	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	10.0%
Students submitting ACT score	64.0%	48.0%
Total number of applicants	18,295	25,775
Total number of admissions given out	14,404	21,865
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,760	5,400
Yield rate	19.2%	24.7%
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: $30,420 Out of state: $45,754
Average net price	$16,684	$20,827
Tuition	In state: $10,776 Out of state: $18,764	In state: $10,920 Out of state: $26,254
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,170 Meal plan: $4,804	Room/dormitory: $7,306 Meal plan: $4,982
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	71.0% Average amount $6,980
Students receiving federal student loan	57.0% Average amount $5,305	45.0% Average amount $5,293
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $13,247	9.0% Average amount $14,902

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,465 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	28,968 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Graduate students	3,180 Men 37.9% Women 62.1%	11,361 Men 37.3% Women 62.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	17.4%
International students	4.0%	8.9%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,911	6,820
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 Indiana Illinois Pennsylvania

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

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.5%	73.0%
Dropout rate	13.3%	9.9%
Transferred out	23.0%	15.6%
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	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,262 Year 3: $120,730 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $116,456 Year 3: $105,967 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,527 Year 2: $94,013 Year 3: $100,779 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,273 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $93,490 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,329 Year 2: $79,284 Year 3: $87,500 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,396 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $84,425 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $76,699 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,190 Year 2: $68,965 Year 3: $74,560 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,530 Year 2: $68,890 Year 3: $73,392 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,848 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $71,114

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Bowling Green State University (BGSU)?

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a large, public research university located in a major metropolitan area, offering a wide range of programs with a strong emphasis on cooperative education (co-op). Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a mid-sized, public university located in a smaller city, known for its strong undergraduate programs, particularly in education, music, and the arts. UC tends to be more research-focused and career-oriented due to its co-op program, while BGSU offers a more traditional, campus-centered college experience.
Which university is larger, UC or BGSU?

The University of Cincinnati is significantly larger than Bowling Green State University. UC has a larger student body overall, including both undergraduate and graduate students.
Where are UC and BGSU located, and how does location impact student life?

UC is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, a major urban center offering diverse cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. This location provides students with access to internships, jobs, and a vibrant city life. BGSU is located in Bowling Green, Ohio, a smaller college town. This provides a more close-knit campus community and a traditional college experience, with a focus on campus activities and events.
How do the academic programs at UC and BGSU compare?

UC offers a broader range of academic programs, including strong programs in engineering, business, design, and healthcare. Its co-op program is a major draw for students seeking practical experience. BGSU is known for its strong programs in education, music, journalism, and the arts. While BGSU offers a variety of programs, UC's offerings are generally more extensive, particularly at the graduate level.
What is the co-op program at UC, and does BGSU offer something similar?

The University of Cincinnati is renowned for its cooperative education (co-op) program, which integrates classroom learning with paid, practical work experience. Students alternate between academic semesters and work placements, gaining valuable professional skills and industry connections. While BGSU does not have a formal co-op program on the same scale as UC, it offers internships, practicums, and other experiential learning opportunities to help students gain real-world experience.
How do the costs of attending UC and BGSU compare?

Tuition and fees can vary depending on residency and program of study. Generally, UC may have a slightly higher cost of attendance, especially for out-of-state students, due to its urban location and extensive resources. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students manage expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
What is campus life like at UC versus BGSU?

UC's campus life is more integrated with the surrounding city of Cincinnati, offering a blend of urban and campus experiences. There are numerous student organizations, events, and activities, but students also have easy access to the city's cultural attractions and nightlife. BGSU offers a more traditional, campus-centered experience. The university fosters a strong sense of community, with a focus on campus events, student organizations, and athletic programs. BGSU's campus is more self-contained, creating a close-knit environment.
What are the athletic programs like at UC and BGSU?

Both UC and BGSU offer a variety of athletic programs. UC competes in the NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference, with a strong emphasis on football and basketball. BGSU also competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), with a focus on hockey, football, and basketball. Both universities offer a range of other sports and recreational activities for students.
Which university is better for research opportunities?

The University of Cincinnati generally offers more extensive research opportunities due to its classification as a Research 1 university. UC has a larger research budget and more faculty actively involved in research projects across various disciplines. While BGSU also offers research opportunities, particularly for undergraduate students, UC's research infrastructure and funding are typically more substantial.
How do the career services at UC and BGSU compare?

Both UC and BGSU offer career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, and job placement. UC's career services are particularly strong due to its co-op program, which provides students with built-in work experience and connections to employers. BGSU also offers comprehensive career services, including career fairs, workshops, and individual advising, to help students prepare for their careers.

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