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Ball State University

Muncie, IN·Public·13,770 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Indiana residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 13,770 students.

72%
Accept
13,770
Students
$15,898
Net Price
63%
Grad Rate
$44,600
Earnings
10 yr
$16,904
Debt

About This School

Ball State University is a public institution located in Muncie, Indiana with approximately 13,770 undergraduate students enrolled. Ball State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 72%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,898 per year. The graduation rate is 63%, and the typical graduate earns $44,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, Indiana, United States. The university has three off-campus centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Fishers, Indiana. The university is composed of ten academic colleges. As of 2023, the university enrolled about 20,400 students with 14,900 undergraduates and 5,500 graduate and doctoral students. The university offers about 120 undergraduate majors and 130 minor areas of study and more than 100 masters, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the affordable net price of ~$15,900/year and low median debt of $16,904 make this one of the better financial values among mid-sized public universities, and the 120+ undergraduate majors give students real flexibility. However, the 63% graduation rate is a genuine concern — nearly 1 in 4 freshmen who don't return after year one suggests some students struggle to find their footing, so incoming students should have a clear academic plan and take advantage of support resources early. Worth considering if you're drawn to specific programs like architecture, telecommunications, or education, where Ball State has a solid regional reputation, but go in with eyes open about the completion rate.

Founded
1918
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Education12%
Communications10%
Health Professions8%
Psychology7%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Biological Sciences4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

David LettermanJim DavisDoug JonesAngela AhrendtsAnthony MontgomeryEric ButoracJoyce DeWittKim Sun-aScott HalberstadtBonzi WellsStedman GrahamRawle Marshall

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1172
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,758
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,766
Avg Net Price
$15,898
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$16,904

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
63%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,904
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,904
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White73%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (13,770 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Ball State University

2000 W. University Ave

Muncie, IN 47306

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Indiana

Browse all Indiana schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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