The Schmidthorst College of Business at Bowling Green State University finished No. 83 on P&Q’s 2025 ranking of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs in the U.S. In our three methodological categories, it finished No. 102 in Admission Standards, No. 62 in Career Outcomes, and No. 52 in Academic Experience (based solely on our alumni survey).
The B-school’s acceptance rate for the fall 2024 incoming class was 89%, and the class also reported an average SAT score of 1175. Its six-year graduation rate is 63.7%.
In career data, 71% of Class of 2024 graduates and 72.7% of Class of 2023 grads completed at least one business-specific internship before graduation. Some 98.2% of 2024 grads found jobs within three months, compared to 98% of 2023 grads.
Average salary for the most recent graduates was $59,065, with 18% of them reporting an average signing bonus of $5,009. The top employers included Clifton Larson Allen, Crown Equipment, Honda, Marathon Petroleum Co, Rehmann, Key Bank, Amazon, Prudential Insurance, New York Life, Fastenal, and Ernst & Young.
CAREER READINESS
The Schmidthorst College of Business at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) takes a bold, innovative, and broad-based approach to business education, designed to foster discovery-based learning, hands-on experimentation, and collaboration.
Through the Life Design and Signature Work initiatives, students craft their curricular and co-curricular experiences to align with their passions and long-term career goals. Beginning in their first semester, students engage in Life Design workshops, where they develop problem-solving strategies, connect with peers, and build a sense of belonging. Their capstone Signature Work course challenges them to integrate their coursework, life experiences, and internships into a real-world project that addresses a societal issue.
Students immediately begin BGSU’s applied business core sequence, a unique four-course series that emphasizes critical thinking, business communication, ethics, and experiential learning. Courses include Understanding Dynamics of Business, Effective Business Communications, Ethics and Social Responsibility in Business, and Integrated Business Experience. These courses, which incorporate elements of Life Design and Signature Work, ensure students develop the skills necessary to analyze data, communicate effectively, and navigate ethical business dilemmas.
Hands-on learning is a central pillar of the BGSU experience. Over 75% of students complete at least one internship, with many receiving full-time job offers from their internship employers.
The college supports students’ career development through the BGSU Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections, which provides resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. Through platforms like Handshake, VMOCK (virtual mock interviews and resume reviews), and the Falcon Mentorship Network, students gain early exposure to career opportunities. They are also encouraged to attend two annual career fairs to connect with employers.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Schmidthorst offers students a wealth of opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage with their peers. The Peer Leader Program, designed for sophomores, allows students to mentor and support freshmen, helping them acclimate to the college and encouraging active participation in student life. These Peer Leaders assist faculty in the freshman business course and The Business District, a living-learning community where students build close relationships with faculty and peers.
Beyond peer mentoring, students can enhance their leadership skills through 17 student organizations, many of which have national and international recognition. These organizations provide opportunities for students to apply what they learn in the classroom, network with professionals, and gain hands-on business experience.
Students can participate in the Dean’s Advisory Council, which brings together the presidents of student organizations, or join the Dean’s Student Ambassador Program, where they represent the college to prospective students, alumni, and corporate partners.
RESPONSIVE AND INNOVATIVE BUSINESS EDUCATION
BGSU ensures its curriculum evolves with industry needs through continuous innovation and real-world application. The faculty employs active learning methods, transforming classrooms into collaborative spaces where students work in teams, engage in discussions, and apply their knowledge to practical challenges. This approach mirrors the expectations of the professional world, where employees are expected to show up prepared, lead discussions, and develop solutions.
The Student Persona model, developed in collaboration with faculty, students, and employers, provides a strategic blueprint for molding students into highly desirable candidates for the workforce. This model aligns curriculum updates with employer expectations, ensuring BGSU graduates enter the job market with relevant skills and industry knowledge.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Schmidthorst offers 12 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) specializations, including Accounting, Applied Business Economics, Business Analytics & Intelligence, Finance, Individualized Business, Information Systems, Insurance & Risk Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Sales and Services Marketing, and Supply Chain Management.
It also offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Economics, providing students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to business decision-making.
ALUMNI SAY
“Our capstone project was a simulation of running our own tech startup. We had to grasp the financial, marketing, accounting, and production understanding of each of these departments to do well on this project in addition to working well with our team to make the success possible.”
“Capsim was a simulation we did in accounting twice during our college academic journey. This simulation really helped with my first job out of school working in supply chain.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bowling Green not just in the business school but at the University. With the resources of a major university but the feel of a small town university I always felt comfortable and engaged and I think my time in the business school has set me up great so far.”
“I highly recommend the accounting specialization through the Schmidthorst Business School. I was able to connect with a midsized accounting firm and receive a quality job offer prior to graduation. Started full time the Monday after graduation and have been with this firm since.”
“I joined the business major my 3rd year in school after being an undecided major for a while. This program was incredibly welcoming to my late bloom, and helped encourage me to push, grow, and learn as much as possible. My younger brother is now a sophomore at this business school and feels the same way!”
