About

About Ball State University

public doctoral universitytest optionaleducation and business focusmidsize indiana campusaccessible admissions

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, IN, known for its public doctoral university, test optional, and education and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 69%, BSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 3,477 students each year. BSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1080–1240, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. BSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $9,059 per year; the sticker price of $42,488 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Ball State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

69%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1160
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1080 – 1240 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Ball State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Ball State has strong specialized programs in architecture, journalism, and telecommunications, so apply directly to your target program rather than undeclared when possible, since program-specific reviewers look for students with clear direction.
Test Score Strategy
Ball State is test-optional, so if your score is below their 75th percentile, skip submitting it and let your GPA, coursework, and activities carry your application instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Ball State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$42k/yr$7.8k
30k-48k~$42k/yr$9.8k
48k-75k~$42k/yr$14.3k
75k-110k~$42k/yr$19.6k
110k+~$42k/yr$23.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

63%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$44k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
13,867
Undergrad Enrollment
Ball State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch