Acceptance Rate
86%
Avg. SAT
1260
75th percentile
“Pioneers of immersive learning where students tackle real community projects alongside professors from freshman year.”
Muncie, IN
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Ball State University traces its roots to 1918 as a teachers college in Muncie, Indiana, renamed after the Ball brothers—makers of the iconic canning jars—donated land and funds in 1929 to expand it into a full university. Today, it serves nearly 16,000 undergraduates on a compact campus in a midsized Midwest city, drawing students who prefer hands-on experiences over abstract theory and thrive in a supportive, practical environment. The school's personality emphasizes creativity and community impact, with programs that send students into local businesses and neighborhoods for applied work. Muncie offers an affordable college town feel, with low living costs that stretch dollars further than in bigger cities, though its quieter pace and harsh winters might leave those craving urban energy or constant sunshine restless.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Ball State stands out for its architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning programs, which blend studio work with real design challenges in the region. The immersive learning initiative sets it apart, pairing students with faculty on funded projects like revitalizing downtown Muncie or developing apps for local nonprofits—often starting in the first year. Classrooms buzz with collaboration, though introductory lectures in a large public university can pack hundreds, pushing students toward smaller upper-level seminars for closer interaction. Education and digital media also draw crowds, with hands-on media labs producing student-run news shows and podcasts.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
15,189 undergrad • 5,900 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
71%
Black / African American
10%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Muncie, IN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses around residence halls like Park Hall and Talawanda, where first-year students build community through floor events and shared lounges, though upperclassmen often seek off-campus apartments in walkable neighborhoods. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings from the 400-plus organizations—think robotics teams competing nationally or a cappella groups performing at Emens Auditorium—and tailgates before Mid-American Conference football games. Greek life adds structure for some, while others dive into arts scenes with free student tickets to orchestra concerts. Muncie's small size means the campus dominates social options, fostering tight-knit bonds but limiting spontaneous big-city outings; winters keep many indoors, cozying up in dorms or hitting the rec center.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mid-American Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
78%
4 Years Graduation Rate
56%
6 Years Graduation Rate
69%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$51,833
78% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Ball State University and return in the fall. 56% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 69% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
56%
4-5 years
13%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
30%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$8,434
Acceptance
86%
Undergrads
15,189
4-Year Grad Rate
56%
Endowment
$238M
Muncie, IN 47306
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