BGSU sees largest spring enrollment in nearly 20 years, with record number of students continuing their education at the University

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4. BGSU sees largest spring enrollment in nearly 20 years, with record number of students continuing their education at the University

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Known and recognized nationally for its student experience and learning opportunities, Bowling Green State University is seeing its largest spring enrollment in nearly two decades. Not only are a record number of students choosing Bowling Green, they are also choosing to stay at the University for their education, semester after semester.

On the 15th day of classes, overall Spring 2026 enrollment at BGSU stands at 19,484 students, representing a 3.7% increase over last spring. The last time BGSU saw a spring headcount above this year's was in 2007 at 19,951 students.

Spring 2026 enrollment is strengthened by a record 93% retention rate among first-year students. This milestone follows back-to-back years of record-setting incoming classes at the University, reflecting sustained student confidence in the value of a BGSU education and experience.

The continued momentum in enrollment growth paired with record student retention at BGSU underscores the University's ranking by The Wall Street Journal as the No. 1 university in Ohio, and among the top five universities in the nation, that students say they would choose again.

BGSU is also ranked No. 1 for career preparation, learning facilities and learning opportunities, respectively, among Ohio's public universities.

"We are so pleased that more and more students and families from across the Midwest and the nation continue to choose Bowling Green, with the vast majority of our graduates remaining in Ohio after their degree, greatly contributing to our region's and state's economic vitality," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "Driven by the right in-demand academic programs and top-ranked student experience, Bowling Green is also the right size - big enough to offer all the opportunities of a large university, but small enough that each of our students can actually take advantage of these experiences from day one. Here, our students aren't competing with 50,000 or 80,000 other students for opportunities, and we will continue to manage our growth with this in mind, recognizing how important the student experience is for Bowling Green. I especially want to thank our faculty and staff for creating a meaningful, relevant and supportive learning community for our students as they prepare for great careers and great lives."

As part of the overall enrollment gain, BGSU Firelands, the University's regional campus in Huron, Ohio, is experiencing a 4.9% increase in its spring headcount.

Total undergraduate enrollment at BGSU for Spring 2026 is up at 14,612 students, while graduate enrollment is at 2,730 students.

"We are honored to be entering into spring semester with more students choosing to remain at BGSU," said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management at BGSU. "Our continued enrollment growth and record retention rates demonstrate the continued trust by students and their parents in the power of a BGSU education to support careers and lives through in-demand academic programs and comprehensive experiences. We look forward to welcoming more students to our learning community in the future while continuing to support our current students in their academic endeavors."

Meeting workforce needs in Ohio and beyond, BGSU continues to invest in high-demand degree programs that are sought after by both students and employers, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics - or STEM - and healthcare fields.

Supporting the significant growth in its engineering programs, BGSU recently opened the new, state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center, featuring seven specialty labs for training on semiconductors, robotics, advanced manufacturing, augmented reality and more. Spanning 24,000 square feet, the cutting-edge labs are designed to replicate workplace engineering environments, with students using the technology and equipment early in their degree program.

The innovative engineering programs at BGSU blend classroom instruction with practical, hands-on learning experiences and build upon the University's longstanding ABET-accredited offerings in applied engineering, empowering students with a broad perspective on both technical skills and real-world applications.

BGSU also recently became the first university in the nation to offer a customizable AI+X bachelor's degree, which combines a core education in AI with one of six disciplines, allowing students to design field-specific solutions to support AI-driven tools and applications.

The new program is housed in the BGSU Department of Computer Science, with renowned faculty members leading AI coursework on topics such as Python programming, AI ethics and society, machine learning and visualization with AI.

The nationally recognized BGSU Life Design program continues to drive enrollment and significantly differentiate a Bowling Green education by allowing students to shape their college experience and career goals with design thinking principles that promote on-time graduation and reduced overall debt.

Located in one of America's best and safest college towns, BGSU is accepting applications for spring semester's second session, which starts March 9.

BGSU is also preparing for its signature Presidents Day Open House, which is set for Feb. 16 on the Bowling Green campus with 1,200 prospective students already registered.

For more information and to apply, visit BGSU.edu/apply.