Ball State University
BSU
Muncie, Indiana 47306
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Ball State University is a public institution in Muncie with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1172, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 13.8K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
63% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,833 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,898.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •It operated until the spring of 1901, when it was closed due to lack of funding.
- •In 1902, the school reopened as Palmer University for the next three years when Francis Palmer, a retired Indiana banker, gave the school $100,000 as an endowment.
- •Between 1905 and 1907, the school dropped the Palmer name and operated as the Indiana Normal College.
- •Due to diminishing enrollment and lack of funding, the school closed at the end of the 1906–1907 school year.
- •In 1912, a group of local investors led by Michael Kelly reopened the school as the Indiana Normal Institute.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1172
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
27.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,904
Programs (237)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
77%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
106
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IN state average + city premium