Business/Managerial Economics at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
bgsu.eduBased on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Looking at Ohio's business economics programs, the estimated $60,200 first-year earnings here would put graduates right at the state median—and notably at the 75th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful distinction: while this program appears typical within Ohio's competitive landscape, it substantially outperforms the $53,200 national median for business economics majors.
The estimated $21,000 debt load, based on similar programs at Bowling Green, produces a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, that's slightly better than Ohio's state median for this field and creates a monthly payment situation most business graduates can handle in their first year. The uncertainty here matters—individual outcomes will vary based on the actual program structure and your student's career path—but comparable programs in Ohio suggest this debt level is realistic for a state school economics degree.
The real question is whether your student can leverage Bowling Green's business program to reach those median outcomes. With an 81% admission rate, accessibility is clear, but success will depend on internship quality, networking opportunities, and how well the program connects students to Ohio's job market. Similar programs produce earnings that justify the investment, assuming your student graduates on time and enters a field where business economics credentials translate to decent starting salaries.
Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,081 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | — | |
| $12,859 | $61,979* | $70,360 | $19,500* | 0.31 | |
| $17,809 | $60,596* | $72,562 | $24,000* | 0.40 | |
| $6,178 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | 0.35 | |
| $6,178 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | 0.35 | |
| $6,178 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.