Bowling Green State University-Firelands
Bowling Green State University-Firelands — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Bowling Green State University-Firelands Worth It?
At a value score of 7/100, Bowling Green State University-Firelands is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,896 — 11% below average — while paying $17,480/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 11% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 1 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Bowling Green State University-Firelands has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bowling Green State University-Firelands compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #101 of 101 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #3 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #4 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #5 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #6 | University of Minnesota-Morris | 90 | $8,837 | $50,919 |
| #101 | Bowling Green State University-Firelands | 7 | $17,480 | $47,896 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Bowling Green State University-Firelands's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 17 in OH.
Best Programs at Bowling Green State University-Firelands
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Bowling Green State University-Firelands. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,480/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Huron, OH
- Student Body
- 1,251 students
- Graduation Rate
- 11%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,480
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,896
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000