Ball State University Programs & Rankings

Business programs at Ball State deliver above-average earnings with strong national rankings. Digital Marketing ranks #80 nationally while producing graduates earning $55,837, and Business/Commerce, General ranks #27 nationally with $54,871 median earnings.

Accounting Technology shows the highest earnings at $64,069, though with elevated debt levels. These programs demonstrate solid return on investment and are well-suited for students seeking practical career preparation with measurable labor market outcomes.

Health programs at Ball State focus primarily on nursing education with strong earning potential. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $61,062, ranking among the university's highest-paid programs, though national rankings are more modest at #261.

The program graduates 142 students annually, representing substantial enrollment demand. This concentration is best suited for students committed to nursing careers who value earning potential and stable employment prospects over program prestige rankings.

Biological sciences at Ball State show modest performance relative to other institutional programs. Biology, General graduates earn $41,534 with substantial debt levels of $26,825, creating challenging debt-to-earnings ratios.

The program ranks #293 nationally, indicating below-average competitive positioning. This path is most appropriate for students planning graduate school continuation rather than immediate workforce entry, given the earnings and debt combination.

Psychology represents Ball State's primary social science offering with moderate outcomes. Psychology, General graduates earn $40,584 while carrying $25,973 in median debt, creating challenging financial dynamics for immediate workforce entry.

The program ranks #259 nationally, suggesting below-average competitive positioning. This field is best suited for students planning graduate education or those prioritizing academic interests over immediate earning potential and debt management.

Communications programs at Ball State demonstrate exceptional national competitiveness with top state rankings. Advertising leads with #22 national ranking and #1 in Indiana, producing graduates earning $51,378.

Digital Communication and Media ranks #26 nationally, while Broadcast Journalism achieves #45 national standing. These programs combine strong creative preparation with solid earnings outcomes, making them ideal for students seeking media careers with competitive academic credentials.

Arts programs at Ball State demonstrate competitive national positioning despite modest earnings outcomes. Art History, Criticism and Conservation ranks #88 nationally and #2 in Indiana, with graduates earning $37,579.

The program maintains strong academic reputation while producing outcomes typical of humanities fields. These programs serve students prioritizing intellectual development and cultural engagement over immediate earning maximization, with graduate school often extending career preparation.

Education programs at Ball State show mixed outcomes across different specializations. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #51 nationally with strong value scores and graduates earning $46,100.

Adult and Continuing Education ranks lower nationally at #117 but maintains solid state positioning. These programs typically serve students committed to teaching careers where earnings considerations are balanced against public service motivations and employment stability.

Agricultural Teacher Education represents Ball State's primary agricultural offering with strong performance metrics. The program ranks #51 nationally and #2 in Indiana, producing graduates earning $46,100 with reasonable debt levels.

This specialized field combines subject matter expertise with teaching preparation, serving students committed to agricultural education careers with solid employment prospects and moderate earning potential in educational settings.

Corrections Administration at Ball State offers solid preparation for criminal justice careers. Graduates earn $47,500 with manageable debt levels of $19,205, creating favorable debt-to-earnings ratios.

The program ranks #105 nationally, indicating average competitive positioning within the field. This specialization serves students seeking law enforcement and corrections careers where earning potential balances with public service motivations and employment stability.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents Ball State's interdisciplinary health-related programming. Graduates earn $47,355 while managing substantial debt of $29,355, creating moderate financial challenges.

The program ranks #98 nationally with solid state positioning at #4 in Indiana. This field serves students interested in fitness, health promotion, and related careers where personal interest in wellness aligns with moderate earning expectations.