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Muncie , IN
Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, Indiana. Established in 1918, it has since become one of the largest universities in the state, serving over 22,000 students. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study, including arts and sciences, business, education, health, architecture, and communication.
At Ball State University, students benefit from a vibrant and engaging campus life. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern academic buildings, research centers, libraries, and a student recreation center. The campus is also home to numerous student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports teams, providing students with ample opportunities for involvement and personal growth.
The university takes pride in its academic excellence and commitment to hands-on learning experiences. Ball State emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships, co-ops, research projects, and community service. It also has a strong focus on sustainability and is recognized as a leader in environmental stewardship. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive campus community, Ball State University is a hub for intellectual growth, career development, and personal achievement.
Located in Muncie, IN and set in a suburban environment, Ball State University is a public university. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 85%. The freshman retention rate at Ball State University is 77.7% and the six-year graduation rate is 62%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is March 1. Here are some latest information on important things to consider about Ball State University.
Quick Facts
15,189
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
14:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
62%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you learn as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will greatly increase. Here are the most important information you have to know about admission policy and requirements at Ball State University.
According to the most recent data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 18,034 in 2025. Ball State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the candidate.
Test Scores
37% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 1% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 2.99% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 35.86% between 1,200 and 1,399, 55.03% between 1,000 and 1,199, 6.05% between 800 and 999, and 0.07% between 600 and 799. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 24, 59 between 24-29, 16 in the range between 18-23, and 1 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 26 while the average GPA was 3.56. Accordingly, you'll probably need an above-average GPA in order to be granted acceptance, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 596 and an average SAT Math score of 582.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by March 1.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, make sure to consider the freshmen retention rate.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Ball State University was 77.7%, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. This rate shows how many students complete their degrees in a certain number of years. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 62%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the right choice for you. Obtaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school enrolled 21,089 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 9.7% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 15,189, 161 of which were international students. 589 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 5,474 male and 8,839 female full-time students in 2025. This school had 363 full-time graduate male and 812 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Ball State University.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 254, while the number of Afro-American students was 1,502. 1,115 undergrads at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 661 as multirace. The school also had 10 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 23 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 216 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into consideration when applying to any college or university is the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Ball State University? Here is what you need to know.
If you are an area resident, your tuition was $8,948. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $27,496. If you are an international student at Ball State University, you should know that the 2025 tuition was $27,496, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students came to a total of $2,294 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $27,496 | $2,294 | $29,790 |
| In-State | $8,948 | $2,294 | $11,242 |
Books and Supplies
The approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another important expense. The estimated price of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,436.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for lodging and meals?
In 2025, room and board cost at Ball State University amounted to $12,878 a year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school cost $6,146, according to the data from 2025.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 8,948 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,878 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,436 |
| Total Expense | $ 23,262 |
Financial Aid
Obtaining some financial aid in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be vital for finishing your studies. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at Ball State University.
According to the most recent data, 2,504 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $18,354 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
6,023 students received some form of need-based financial aid. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 8,182. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $36,856,519, and state $15,401,143.
$8,333
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
4,979 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 1,668 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $36,856,519 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $1,588,770. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $34,743,088. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $6,751,071 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
14:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Ball State University was 14:1: that means 14 students per one teacher. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 1,253. This number included 577 male and 676 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Ball State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Ball State University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some info about social life at Ball State University.
It has a campus size of 1,140 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
There are 303 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. That includes sororities and fraternities. 13 percent of male and 9 of female students are participants in different organizations at Ball State University. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is The Navigators, followed by Dance Marathon and Student Voluntary Services. Other popular student organizations at this school are Black Student Association and Student Government Association.
Students who like music can join the Ball State University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. You have a passion for media and communication? Ball State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Ball State University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates 24 hours a day. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Ball State University.
All in all, campus life at Ball State University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Ball State University.
Career Counselling
At Ball State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
Within six months of graduation, this school's students can expect an average base annual starting salary of 40,000 USD.
$40,000
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Ball State University is 85%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Ball State University is 77.7%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
