BGSU sets enrollment, retention records for Fall 2024 semester

        Bowling Green State University is setting enrollment and retention records for Fall 2024 semester.
        This fall, final headcount at BGSU includes 19,703 students, up 3.9% compared to Fall 2023. Overall headcount at the same time last fall was 18,966 students.
        A driving force behind the growth stems from BGSU welcoming its largest and highest achieving freshman class in university history, with first-time student enrollment up 14% over Fall 2023 and up 22% compared to Fall 2022.  The BGSU Class of 2028 includes nearly 3,950 students and boasts the highest grade point average in history at 3.69 with a median ACT score of 25.1.
        For Fall 2024, the university also is experiencing a second consecutive year of record-high retention, underscoring The Wall Street Journal’s recent honoring of BGSU as the No. 3 public university overall in the U.S. that students would choose again for their education. For 2025, the publication also ranked BGSU as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for the student experience.
        Enrollment also is up nearly 9% overall this fall at BGSU Firelands, the University’s regional campus located in Huron, Ohio.
        “We are thrilled that more students are choosing to pursue and continue their education at BGSU,” said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management. “BGSU empowers students with an education of value that includes engaging experiences and comprehensive opportunities. We are thankful for the continued trust in a BGSU education and look forward to welcoming more students to our vibrant learning community in the future.”
        BGSU continues to draw a majority of students from across the state, with first-year enrollment from Northwest Ohio up 20% over last fall. First-year enrollment of international students doubled compared to Fall 2023, representing countries such as Nepal, India and Canada.
        The university is also seeing enrollment gains from nearby states like Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. BGSU offers in-state tuition to students from Monroe and Lenawee counties in Michigan and multiple counties in northeast Indiana. Additionally, the BGSU Class of 2028 consists of students from U.S. states spanning from Hawaii to Delaware.
        With the goal of meeting workforce needs in Ohio and beyond, BGSU continues to invest in in-demand academic programs – particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare, which prepare students for career and life readiness.
        This fall, BGSU launched three degrees in robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering, which leverage the university’s longstanding excellence in applied engineering education. Students are empowered with a comprehensive education that blends design fundamentals with strong foundations in math and science while also acquiring practical experience.
        Academic programs seeing record student enrollment this fall include aviation, up 37%, and nursing, up 34%. Business is up 25%, with additional growth in programs such as education, exercise science and medical laboratory science. Other sought-after programs include architecture, the arts, forensic science, and resort and attraction management.
        For students undecided on their major, BGSU offers its signature Life Design program, which allows learners to shape their college and career journey with design thinking principles. Offered to all undergraduate students, Life Design at BGSU is the only program of its kind in the country being offered on a large scale.
        In addition to offering in-demand degrees, BGSU empowers students to advance their education by conducting research alongside world-class faculty and embracing career-bolstering internships and co-op experiences.
        BGSU continues to accept applications and enroll students for Fall 2024 semester, with second session starting on Oct. 16. The University is also accepting applications for Fall 2025 semester.
        For more information about BGSU and to apply, visit BGSU.edu/Admissions.