Ball State University excels at converting educational access into meaningful economic advancement, ranking in the top 10% nationally for mobility outcomes that help students achieve middle-class stability.
The university combines strong affordability with reliable graduation rates and debt management, creating sustainable pathways for first-generation and working-class students.
Ball State University ranks as a strong regional public university that consistently delivers value for Indiana families and beyond. Located in Muncie, Ball State serves as an accessible pathway to middle-class careers, with nearly 34% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 28% being first-generation college students. The university maintains a balanced approach to higher education, offering broad access while supporting students toward meaningful economic outcomes.
What distinguishes Ball State is its role as an "Opportunity Builder" — an institution that may not serve the highest percentage of low-income students but provides solid pathways for economic advancement when it does. Graduates earn a median of $51,833 ten years after enrollment, placing the university around the national average for earnings outcomes. The institution's strength lies in its combination of affordability and accessibility, with net prices that remain manageable across income levels.
As a large public university in Indiana, Ball State offers the comprehensive academic experience and campus life that many students seek, while maintaining the practical focus on career preparation that families value. The university's 63% six-year graduation rate reflects steady progress in supporting students through degree completion, particularly important for the substantial population of first-generation students who rely on institutional guidance and support systems.
Ball State University's program portfolio reflects its comprehensive mission, offering pathways across diverse fields with varying economic outcomes. General Studies leads in total impact with 249 graduates, serving as a flexible foundation for students exploring multiple career directions, though individual earnings remain modest at $32,485. The program's high aggregate return demonstrates Ball State's commitment to serving students with diverse academic goals and career timelines.
Specialized professional programs show much stronger individual returns. General Merchandising and Sales graduates earn $69,338, reflecting the program's connection to retail management and business development careers that offer solid advancement potential. These outcomes highlight Ball State's strength in practical, career-focused education that prepares students for immediate workforce entry.
The university's program mix balances professional preparation with creative and liberal arts offerings. While Acting graduates start at $20,561, typical for creative fields where career development extends beyond immediate post-graduation earnings, these programs contribute to Ball State's comprehensive educational mission. The diversity in outcomes across programs allows students to pursue their interests while understanding the economic implications of their choices, supporting informed decision-making about academic and career paths.
Ball State University graduates achieve solid middle-class earnings that provide a foundation for long-term financial stability. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $51,833, positioning the university around the national average for public institutions. While earnings don't dramatically exceed expectations compared with similar universities, they represent meaningful economic advancement for the students Ball State serves, particularly first-generation and working-class families seeking reliable pathways to stable careers.
Program outcomes vary significantly across Ball State's academic portfolio. General Studies, the university's largest program with 249 graduates, produces the highest aggregate return despite modest individual earnings of $32,485, reflecting the program's role as a flexible pathway for diverse career goals. At the other end of the spectrum, specialized programs like General Merchandising and Sales deliver much stronger individual outcomes, with graduates earning around $69,338 early in their careers. Acting and other creative fields show lower initial earnings at $20,561, typical for arts programs where career development often extends beyond the immediate post-graduation period.
Ball State's program mix reflects its comprehensive university mission, balancing professional preparation with liberal arts education. The university's strength lies not in producing exceptionally high earners, but in providing consistent, reliable outcomes across a broad range of fields that serve Indiana's diverse economy and workforce needs.
Ball State University stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Indiana families. Low-income students pay just $7,233 annually after aid, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $14,882 — both figures that place Ball State among the more affordable options in the region. Even higher-income families pay $21,756, a reasonable figure for a comprehensive public university experience.
The university's debt structure supports its affordability mission. Typical graduates leave with $23,250 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given Ball State's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,290, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden for parents. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Ball State demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, indicating that the combination of earnings and debt levels creates sustainable financial outcomes.
What makes Ball State particularly attractive is the predictability of its costs and the institution's track record of supporting students through completion without excessive borrowing. The university's affordability percentile of 67.6% places it well above average nationally, meaning families can expect costs that are more manageable than at most comparable institutions.
Ball State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
