Overview
Enrollment
Ball State University occupies a suburban campus in Muncie, Indiana, located approximately 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The public institution, founded in 1918 after the acquisition of land and buildings from the Muncie National Institute, has expanded to encompass a 1,140-acre campus featuring a mix of modern and historic brick buildings, including the iconic Beneficence statue. The university is recognized for its programs in architecture, telecommunications, education, and entrepreneurship, with the Miller College of Business and Teachers College serving as prominent academic centers. Ball State maintains a residential campus environment with multiple housing options across its north and south quadrants, and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Cardinals in the Mid-American Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
BSU is rated within the top 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Ball State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#515 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#158 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Colleges in Indiana
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Indiana
#264 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Value Colleges in Indiana
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1080/1250 |
| ACT | 25/30 |
| GPA | 3.52 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Indiana Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 |
| Other Fees | $2,070 |
| Room and Board | $12,064 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,552 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,734 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 |
| Other Fees | $2,070 |
| Room and Board | $12,064 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,552 |
| Total One Year Cost | $44,742 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 18% |
| Business | 16% |
| Education | 12% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering BSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=150136 IPEDS survey data for Ball State University.
Current students may use the Ball State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025