public-colleges

Ball State University

2000 University Ave, Muncie, IN

Campus image of Ball State University

Ball State University is a comprehensive public research university located on a beautiful campus with buildings of Classic architecture in Muncie, Indiana. It offers roughly 180 undergraduate majors and 12 pre-professional programs, and more than 100 programs at the master's and doctoral levels. The Princeton Review has deemed Ball State one of the best colleges in the Midwest, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked it number eight among "up-and-coming" colleges. Top-ranked programs include architecture and landscape architecture, entrepreneurship, telecommunications and education.

Ball State is known for its commitment to immersive learning, with most programs incorporating research, community partnerships, practical experience and projects into the curricula. The immersive learning approach is an integration of content, skills, societal need and student interests. These programs can be completed on campus, off campus, throughout Indiana, or overseas. Practical, real-world experience is emphasized. For example, students in Ball State's entrepreneurship program must pitch a business plan to a panel of experts, who judge its viability. Students in the performance arts at Ball State participate in talent showcases held in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Ball State boasts an excellent faculty of top experts, with professor-level instructors teaching more than ninety percent of all classes. Thanks to Ball State's approach to immersive learning, all faculty members are heavily involved in projects, research and partnerships as part of the teaching curriculum. The research faculty benefit from Ball State's increasing emphasis on technology transfer and commercialization to support faculty in bringing their ideas to market for the benefit of Indiana's economy.

There are a variety of learning opportunities at Ball State, including internships, study abroad programs, a Building Better Communities Fellows Program, and many community charter schools for local children. Ball State has an outdoor classroom and laboratory that provides hands-on learning for its nature programs, including a forest, a prairie, wetlands, greenhouses, and agricultural ground.

History

In 1899, the community of Muncie, Indiana founded as a private teacher-training college. The college did not thrive, and its land and buildings were later purchased and donated to the city by the Ball brothers - industrialists who aimed to establish a local college that would help to boost Muncie's development. The new school that was established as a result of this gift was called the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division. It opened in 1918, but was renamed the Ball Teachers College in 1922. It was renamed again in 1929, becoming Ball State Teachers College.

Throughout the 1960s, the curricula expanded and the college attracted top faculty. Enrollment and funding increased. In 1965, the college was renamed Ball State University.

Academics

The Ball State University academic calendar follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. The summer semester is comprised of two shorter sessions.

Colleges and Schools

Ball State University has seven academic colleges that offer approximately 170 majors, 88 master's degrees, 16 doctoral degrees, and four specialist programs.

  • College of Applied Sciencesand Technology
  • College of Architecture and Planning
  • Miller College of Business
  • College of Communication, Information, and Media
  • College of Fine Arts
  • College of Sciencesand Humanities
  • Teachers College

In addition to its colleges, Ball State has many academic centers, institutes, clinics and bureaus, as well as academic research and outreach units.

Student Life

Students at Ball State University are encouraged to become involved in one of the many organizations available on campus in order to develop social and leadership skills and serve the greater community. Involvement in clubs can also provide opportunities for professional networking and can boost a resume. There are clubs and organizations that focus on professions, academics, cultural heritage, religion performing arts, special interests and sports. Additionally, there are many active fraternities and sororities on campus, and university housing organizations that provide opportunities for making the Ball State campus a better place to live.

The Ball State events calendar includes tours of Broadway shows, top division athletics, music headliners, professional dance companies, guest speakers and more.

Traditions

The traditional school colors for Ball State University are red and white with black as an accent color.  The school mascot is a cardinal, who appears as "Charlie Cardinal" at many athletic events to energize and entertain the crowds. The athletic teams are nicknamed the Ball State "Cardinals."

Fight Song
Fight team fight for Ball State
We must win this game
Onward now you Cardinals
Bring glory to your name
Fight! Fight! Fight!

Here's to both our colors
Cardinal and White
Praying for a victory
So fight, fight, fight!

Athletics

The Ball State "Cardinals" athletic teams participate in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Ball State University has only one primary campus, but offers many International Programs and distance or online education that lead to a degree, certificate or continuing education credits.

Community Life

Ball State University conducts many projects and a significant amount of research to help drive innovation in the State of Indiana. The Building Better Communities initiative provides an opportunity for students and faculty to partner with local leaders on development projects.

Admission Requirements & Details

The admissions information below may give you an idea of the students Ball State University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college credits that may be transferred.

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credits
  • AP Course Credits

Student Enrollment

The total student enrollment at Ball State University is about 21,000. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 17% enrolling as graduate students and 78% as undergraduate students.

$12,800

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $12,800. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $55 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

  • Tuition estimates per year:
    • State Residents: $8,800-$11,000
    • Out-of-State: $24,000-$29,220
  • Charges for part-time students are:
    • In-State: $330-$400 per unit
    • Out-of-State: $1,000-$1,200 per unit
  • The average estimated cost for on campus housing and meals is listed to be around $12,000

Financial Aid Details

The table listed below helps break down the types of financial aid students receive and the percent receiving aid, as well as the average amount of aid per student per year.

 Percent of StudentsAverage Amount
Any Financial Aid89%-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships68%$10,754
Receiving Student Loans67%$7,242
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Academics & Student Services

Student Services

To help students and alumni, Ball State University may offer services to students like:

  • Distance learning
  • Night and weekend classes available
  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Assistance to find work
  • Child care

Graduation Rates

The overall graduation rate of Ball State University is around 59%.

Number of Year to GraduatePercent of Entering Class
Students Graduating in 4 Years33%
Graduating in 5 Years19%
Graduating in 6 Years4%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

  • Art and Design Program
  • Clinical Audiology (Au.D.) Program
  • Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
  • Dance Program
  • Dietetics Program
  • Dietetic Technician Program
  • English Language Program
  • Music Program
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
  • Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
  • Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) Program
  • Radiology Technician Program
  • School Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
  • Speech-Language Pathology Program
  • Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
  • Theatre Program

Intercollegiate Athletics

Ball State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:

  • Baseball (Mid-American Conference)
  • Basketball (Mid-American Conference)
  • Track and Field (Mid-American Conference)
  • Field Hockey
  • Football (Mid-American Conference)
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
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Programs Offered

The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Ball State University by clicking the request information to the right.

(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)

Architecture

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Business and Marketing Studies

Communication Technology

  • Communications Technologies and Support Services

Communications and Journalism

Computer and Information Sciences

Education

Engineering

Engineering Technology

English Language and Literature

Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies

Family and Consumer Sciences

  • Family and Consumer Sciences (B, M)
  • Human Development, Family Studies (B)

Foreign Languages and Literature

Health and Clinical Professions

History

Interdisciplinary Studies

  • Historic Preservation and Conservation (M)
  • Gerontology (C)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies

Legal Professions and Studies

  • Legal Professions and Studies (B)
  • Pre-Law Studies (B)
  • Paralegal

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Mathematics and Statistics

Natural Resources and Conservation

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Physical Sciences

Psychology

Public Administration and Social Services

Recreation and Fitness Studies

Science Technology

  • Biology Technician, Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (D)

Security and Protective Services

Social Sciences

Visual and Performing Arts

Other 4-Year Public Colleges

The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Ball State University.

Also, you can compare schools by looking through our list of colleges & universities:

Contact Information

General Contact

Admissions Office

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School Reviews

Overall Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Based on 1 Review for Ball State University

Virtual Tour of Campus

Virtual Tour of Ball State University

School Map




ACCEPTANCE RATE
60.50%

FINANCIAL AID RATE
89%

STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO
14:1

DEGREES OFFERED ONLINE
98

FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.
$9,553