Education at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Bowling Green's education program sits squarely in the middle of Ohio's teacher training landscape—matching the state's median earnings exactly while keeping debt at typical levels. With graduates earning $30,483 in their first year and $38,464 by year four, this represents solid 26% growth, though national comparisons show room for concern: this ranks only in the 33rd percentile nationally, meaning two-thirds of education programs nationwide produce higher-earning graduates.
The practical reality: a $27,000 debt load against a $30,000 starting salary means your child will face meaningful loan payments on a teacher's salary, though the 0.89 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic. Within Ohio, this program performs reasonably well (60th percentile), suggesting Bowling Green prepares teachers competitively for in-state opportunities. The four-year earnings jump to $38,464 offers some hope—that's meaningful growth as teachers gain experience and move up salary schedules.
The value proposition depends heavily on your child's commitment to teaching and staying in Ohio. If they're certain about the career path and plan to teach in-state, Bowling Green offers reliable training at a manageable cost. The admission rate and test scores suggest an accessible program without pretense. But if they're uncertain about teaching or considering out-of-state opportunities, the below-national-average earnings should factor into your calculation—there are education programs elsewhere producing graduates who earn notably more.
Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all education bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $30,483 | $38,464 | $27,000 | 0.89 |
| National Median | $32,461 | — | $25,989 | 0.80 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 172 graduates with reported earnings and 201 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.