Analysis
Bowling Green's Health Professions program starts graduates at $34,000—well below both the national average ($38,500) and particularly concerning when compared to Ohio's median of $48,400. This ranks in just the 25th percentile among Ohio programs, meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options produce better initial outcomes. The $26,000 debt load is standard but translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, manageable but not impressive given the weak starting point.
The good news is growth: earnings jump 37% to reach $46,675 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing after initial placement struggles. However, even with this improvement, outcomes lag behind state competitors like Kettering College ($71,000) and Youngstown State ($57,000). The program appears to serve students heading into slower-starting health professions roles rather than the higher-earning clinical positions that dominate at Ohio's stronger programs.
For Ohio residents paying in-state tuition, this represents a below-average choice in a state with notably better alternatives. The earnings trajectory improves over time, but starting in the bottom quarter of state programs means playing catch-up for years. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend Bowling Green specifically, families should explore other Ohio health professions programs that offer stronger initial placement outcomes.
Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $34,040 | $46,675 | +37% |
| Kettering College | $70,890 | $58,053 | -18% |
| Youngstown State University | $56,793 | $57,659 | +2% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $32,621 | $54,955 | +68% |
| Xavier University | $48,416 | $51,232 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green | $14,081 | $34,040 | $46,675 | $26,000 | 0.76 |
 Kettering CollegeKettering | $15,672 | $70,890 | $58,053 | $37,613 | 0.53 |
 Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown | $10,791 | $56,793 | $57,659 | $29,750 | 0.52 |
 Xavier UniversityCincinnati | $48,125 | $48,416 | $51,232 | $27,000 | 0.56 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $32,621 | $54,955 | $26,263 | 0.81 |
| National Median | — | $38,492 | — | $26,000 | 0.68 |
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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.