Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,810
53rd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
1% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.75
Manageable
Sample Size
49
Adequate data

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

Bowling Green State University-Main CampusOther health services/allied health/health sciences programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$35,810$49,282$27,0000.75
Mercy College of Ohio$65,046$36,0500.55
Otterbein University$30,581$65,592$27,0000.88
National Median$35,279$26,6900.76

Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.