All schools
PublicUrban

Ball State University

BSU

Muncie, Indiana 47306

Visit website

Campus Vibe

Urban

Known for business — excellent value

Ball State University is a public institution in Muncie with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1172, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 13.8K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

63% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,833 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,898.

Established
1918
Motto
"We Fly"
Mascot
Charlie Cardinal
Type
Public research university
Conference
NCAA Division I (FBS) and is part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC)
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

116 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
72%Acceptance
1172SAT Avg
13,770Students
15:1Student:Faculty
63%Grad Rate
$51,833Earnings 10yr
$15,898Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Ball State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate71.6%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1172

Reading & WritingMid: 560
550630
MathMid: 550
530620

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 24
2530

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

71.6%

Trend

SAT Avg

1172

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$10,758
Tuition (out-of-state)$28,766
Room & Board$12,064
Books & Supplies$1,360
Total Cost of Attendance$25,134
Average Net Price$15,898
Median Debt at Graduation$23,250
Monthly Payment (10yr)$246

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$7,233
$30–48K$9,717
$48–75K$14,882
$75–110K$19,748
$110K+$21,756

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$15,898

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

2700.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$16,904

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

106

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (237)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
13,770
Gender Split
61% / 39%
Women / Men
First Generation
28%
Pell Grant Recipients
34%

Race & Ethnicity

White 73%
Black 10%
Hispanic 8%
Asian 2%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate63.3%
Freshman Retention77.2%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$44,394
8 Years$48,782
10 Years$51,833

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$39,500
Men
$50,700

Rankings

U.S. News
#213
Forbes
#487
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#133

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

97Average

Estimated from IN state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Indianapolispop. 880K
50 mi(87 min)
Columbuspop. 900K
129 mi(224 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
164 mi(284 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Ball State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications