Bowling Green State University?
 

Hello all,

Anyone have some insight into BGSU and their aviation program?

Bowling Green State University?
 

I spent my freshman year there in 2006 before transferring to OSU. Their fleet was only a couple years old and the instructors were sharp. If I recall correctly, my total bill for my freshman year was around $35k. That included my major and my PPL.

May I ask why you transferred out?

Bowling Green State University?
 

Because I'm from Columbus, so I could live at home and commute to campus to reduce expenses. OSU also has a larger Alumni association so networking to find a job after graduation was easier. OSU's fleet is much older than BGSU's, however, OSU instructors have an engineering background (at least when I was there. Graduated 2010), so you learn a more technical side of aviation.

OSU v BG Aviation Programs
 

I must decide between Ohio State and Bowling Green undergrad aviation programs by May 1 2020.

COVID19 is making it nearly impossible to track down humans at both universities to answer questions. OSU uses a track program that looks like you must choose between multi-engine or multi-engine instructor, but not both? BG's program allows you to accomplish both prior to graduation. Believe me, I have scoured their websites and left multiple emails and vmails.

Anyone have ANY recent experience with either college?? Super frustrating for an 18 yr old with deadline fast approaching!

Don't have wool pulled over your eyes about the newest planes and coolest avionics. Plenty of pilots learned just fine for years on old, beat up, 6-pack equipped C152s...or even more basic in J-3s/Champs. Everything else you'll learn when you need to, I'm a clear example of that.

Now if you want my honest opinion, as a 141 flight school graduate and someone who has been in the aviation industry for nearly 20 years. If I had it to do over again, I'd go to some community college and take as many classes as I could that would transfer to the degree I wanted to do at a normal college. Then I'd go to someplace like Wright State, Cincy or Dayton to finish up a degree degree in engineering. Any electives I'd fill up with business classes to help with a potential MBA down the road. While doing all that, I'd go learn to fly out at Red Steward Airfield. Learn to fly in tailwheel aircraft off grass and more reasonable prices. You'll end up with all your ratings at a fraction of the price of your contemporaries at the 141 schools.

Also, consider joining the Ohio AIR (not Army) National Guard as they'll basically pay for all your schooling and you'll get lots of other benefits that will help you graduate debt free. If you do this, you can skip the community college because the OANG pays 100% tuition. You'll also likely qualify for some other incentives/GI Bill which is just more cash in your pocket to fun flying. This, combined with my idea above, will put you WAY ahead in life.

If you must go to a 141 program, I'd say go to Ohio State or Kent State (where I graduated). I lived in BG circa 2009-2012...there is seriously nothing to do there.

Hello, I am struggling with the exact same decision this year. Would love to know what decision you made and any advice you have. Thanks, Will