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Butler University

Indianapolis, IN·Private nonprofit·4,383 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $68,900 within 10 years; strong 80% graduation rate.

86%
Accept
4,383
Students
$38,472
Net Price
80%
Grad Rate
$68,900
Earnings
10 yr
$22,238
Debt

About This School

Butler University is a private nonprofit institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana with approximately 4,383 undergraduate students enrolled. Butler University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 86%. The average net price after financial aid is $38,472 per year. The graduation rate is 80%, and the typical graduate earns $68,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university has over 60 major academic fields of study within six colleges in the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and the sciences, and health sciences. It enrolls approximately 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Its 295-acre (119 ha) campus is approximately five miles (8.0 km) north of downtown Indianapolis.

This is a solid option for students who want a smaller private university experience in a real city — Indianapolis offers genuine internship and career access, and the 80% graduation rate and $68,900 median earnings suggest most students finish and land on their feet financially. The $22,238 median debt is relatively manageable given those earnings, which is a better story than many comparable schools. That said, the 86% acceptance rate means Butler isn't highly selective, so if academic prestige matters to your goals, weigh that carefully against the $38,472 annual net price.

Founded
1855
Setting
Large city
Conference
Big East Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing30%
Health Professions12%
Communications11%
Social Sciences9%
Biological Sciences8%
Education7%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Psychology4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jim JonesDavid Starr JordanFreddie HubbardKaren PenceGordon HaywardShelvin MackGeorge RyanPeter LupusSarah FisherEd CarpenterMark KurlanskyMaurine Dallas Watkins

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1282
Reading 75th %ile680
Math 75th %ile680

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$45,980
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,980
Avg Net Price
$38,472
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants14%
Median debt at graduation$22,238

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
80%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,238
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,238
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$55,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

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

Student Body

White79%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,383 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Butler University

4600 Sunset Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46208

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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