Since the fall semester of 2022, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has repeatedly grown its freshman class size. The incoming 2025 freshmen were the largest incoming class the university has ever had.
The freshman class at BGSU this fall welcomed over 4,000 new students to the BGSU campus, a 4% increase from last year. BGSU is up in enrollment numbers compared to surrounding universities, with the University of Toledo being down 1.03% this year.
“Our application count for Fall 2025 was 30% higher than five years ago. Our application volume has increased each year… this increase is a result of strategic outreach tactics,” said Erin Heilmeier, BGSU’s assistant vice president and director of admissions.
With this surge in student population, the university has had to adapt and grow to accommodate every student’s needs.
“Campus facilities have expanded and improved. Notable examples include the addition of The Kreischer Sundial, the Amazon market, and investments in dining services to accommodate a larger student body. Residence halls such as McDonald and Kohl have also been renovated, with air conditioning and updated amenities installed to enhance the on-campus experience,” said Tiago Gobetti Gaboardi, the president of BGSU’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG).
Along with the changes to campus amenities, USG has also made concrete steps within their organization to ensure that the growth of the student body is met with the support of USG.
“Last year we doubled the number of Specific Constituency Senator positions from 5 to 10, ensuring stronger representation for minority groups. This year, we are restructuring Residence Hall Senator positions, which were previously appointed by the now-defunct
Resident Student Association,” said Gaboardi.
With these large numbers comes great opportunity, but it also comes with struggles that the university has been facing this year.
“Three consecutive years of record-breaking enrollments have put pressure on housing and parking. For example, oversold parking permits and a rise in commuter students have made parking a pressing concern. While the administration maintains that sufficient parking exists, many spaces are far from central campus, which students often find impractical,” said Gaboardi.
These issues have not gone unnoticed by BGSU students, especially those who live on campus.
“Yes, campus feels very crowded between classes, almost like high school. It also seems impossible to find a parking spot. Not just a good parking spot but a singular parking spot,” said Sara Bebout, a sophomore inclusive early childhood education major.
Parking has been a topic of discussion this year among students and faculty, Gaborardi had some reassuring comments about those concerns.
“Parking remains one of our top advocacy priorities. The new CFO, Casey Wyman, oversees Parking Services and this issue is at the forefront of our discussions with his office,” said Gaboardi.
Some students think it might be a good idea for BGSU to cut back on admission because larger class sizes make it harder for students to find their place on campus.
“I think BGSU should definitely limit the admissions because each class size is getting bigger and it’s become overcrowded,” said Taylor Jockett, a sophomore psychology and neuroscience major.
Bebout also agreed on this front, that BGSU does not need to have such large class sizes.
“Personally, I think BGSU doesn’t need to continue these larger class sizes. In my opinion, it is creating more hurtful than helpful scenarios,” said Bebout.
While some feel as though there are too many students at BGSU, Gaboardi highlights the areas that benefit from a larger student body.
“Larger classes bring more resources, investments and opportunities. Programs such as Aviation, Nursing and Education are now recognized among the top in the Midwest. Ultimately, more students mean more engagement, events and memories—making our administrative work both more meaningful and rewarding,” said Gaboardi.
