Ball State University

Ball State University admits 71.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Ball State in the Moderately Selective tier, making it more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic standards.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that Ball State is slightly more selective than typical large public universities, accepting about 6.5 percentage points fewer applicants than similar institutions. This level of selectivity means that most academically prepared students have reasonable admission prospects, though the university does maintain standards for enrollment.

Students with solid high school performance and test scores within the university's ranges should expect favorable admission outcomes. For prospective students, Ball State represents a balanced option between open access institutions and highly competitive universities.

The moderate selectivity level suggests that students should still present competitive applications, but exceptional credentials are not required for admission. Applicants should view Ball State as a match or safety school depending on their academic profile, making it valuable for building balanced college lists that include both reach and accessible options.

Ball State offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Digital Marketing ranks #80 nationally and #2 in Indiana, producing 124 graduates with median earnings of $55,837 and a strong value score of 63.8.

Advertising ranks #22 nationally and #1 in Indiana, graduating 94 students with median earnings of $51,378 and an excellent value score of 71.2. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #51 nationally and #2 in Indiana, with 104 graduates earning $46,100 and achieving a value score of 64.0.

Business/Commerce, General ranks #27 nationally and #4 in Indiana, graduating 170 students with median earnings of $54,871. General Studies leads enrollment with 249 graduates and ranks #67 nationally and #3 in Indiana, earning $42,167 with a value score of 63.5.

Several programs demonstrate flagship status at Ball State, with strong state rankings across diverse fields including communications, business, and education.

Ball State University publishes a cost of attendance of $25,134 annually, including $10,758 in-state tuition, $12,064 for room and board, and $1,360 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $15,898 representing savings of $9,236 from the sticker price.

This net price positions Ball State slightly below the peer median of $15,590, making it a competitive value among similar public institutions. The university demonstrates commitment to affordability through substantial financial aid that reduces published costs by more than one-third for typical students.

Ball State's cost structure reflects the accessibility mission of public higher education, with in-state tuition kept moderate while room and board costs align with regional standards. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $28,766, though financial aid can offset much of this premium depending on family circumstances.

The university's financial aid savings of $9,236 indicate robust institutional and federal support systems that make college more accessible than published prices suggest. Students and families should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating Ball State's affordability, as the substantial aid reductions create genuine value for most enrolled students.

Ball State graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career trajectory. Median earnings grow from $44,394 six years after enrollment to $48,782 at eight years and $51,833 at ten years, representing 16.8% growth from the six-year mark to the ten-year measurement.

These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 6,199 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduate earnings of $51,833 place Ball State around the national average at the 46th percentile, while performing $8,710 below the peer median of $60,543.

Low-income graduates earn $40,300, ranking in the top 50% nationally for this critical mobility metric. Earnings span from $36,578 at the 25th percentile to $72,407 at the 75th percentile, representing a 2:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles.

Approximately 24.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The university's earnings beyond expectations performance ranks at the 27th percentile, reflecting outcomes modestly below predictions based on student demographics and institutional characteristics.