Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Bowling Green's Health Sciences program hits the sweet spot of manageable debt with strong earning potential. Starting at $35,810 might seem modest, but graduates jump to $49,282 by year four—that's 38% growth and significantly above what most Ohio health science programs deliver at the four-year mark. The $27,000 debt load sits right at the national median but represents less than a year's starting salary, a healthy ratio for any bachelor's degree.
Within Ohio, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it outperforms most state competitors. While Mercy College of Ohio's nursing-focused program leads with $65,000 salaries, Bowling Green's broader health sciences track offers solid preparation for various allied health careers at a more accessible price point. The consistent earnings trajectory suggests graduates find stable career paths rather than hitting early ceilings.
The real advantage here is the combination: debt you can handle and earnings that improve substantially as graduates gain experience and credentials. For families weighing Ohio's 19 health science programs, Bowling Green offers above-average outcomes without the debt burdens that plague many healthcare programs. If your child is interested in allied health but hasn't settled on a specific path, this program provides a reliable foundation.
Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences 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 $36k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all health services/allied health/health sciences 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
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $35,810 | $49,282 | $27,000 | 0.75 |
| Mercy College of Ohio | $65,046 | — | $36,050 | 0.55 |
| Otterbein University | $30,581 | $65,592 | $27,000 | 0.88 |
| National Median | $35,279 | — | $26,690 | 0.76 |
Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy College of Ohio Toledo | $18,950 | $65,046 | $36,050 |
| Otterbein University Westerville | $34,899 | $30,581 | $27,000 |
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 49 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.