About Ball State University
Ball State University built its reputation around telecommunications and media programs that attract students nationwide. The David Letterman College of Communications produces graduates who work across broadcasting, digital media, and journalism industries. Notable alumni include late-night television legend David Letterman and Papa John's founder Papa John Schnatter. With 13,770 students on a compact campus in Muncie, this public research university creates a close-knit community feel despite its size.
Students pay an average net price of $15,898 after financial aid, making it accessible for middle-class families. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,833 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $23,250. The monthly loan payment of $246 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Nearly 73% of students receive federal loans, but the investment pays off with a 96.8% employment rate.
The student body skews heavily female at 61% and draws primarily from Indiana, with 90% of students coming from in-state. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 17 varsity sports. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention while benefiting from the resources of a research university.
Students pay an average net price of $15,898 after financial aid, making it accessible for middle-class families. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,833 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $23,250. The monthly loan payment of $246 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Nearly 73% of students receive federal loans, but the investment pays off with a 96.8% employment rate.
The student body skews heavily female at 61% and draws primarily from Indiana, with 90% of students coming from in-state. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 17 varsity sports. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention while benefiting from the resources of a research university.
Academics & Faculty
Ball State built its reputation as a full research university with standout programs in communications and media. The David Letterman College of Communications draws students nationwide for its telecommunications and journalism programs, reflecting the school's deep roots in broadcast media. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more individualized attention than at larger state universities. The 63% graduation rate suggests solid but not strong academic support systems. Ball State also offers strong teacher preparation programs that feed into Indiana's school districts. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, particularly in the university's well-equipped media facilities and production studios that mirror professional broadcasting environments.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.3%
- Retention Rate
- 77.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,833
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,124 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $75,989 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $75,204 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $65,610 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $63,997 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $57,995 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,776 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,505 |
Campus Life
Daily life at Ball State centers around a compact campus in Muncie, a small city about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis. With housing capacity for 7,046 students and total enrollment of 13,770, roughly half of students live on campus, creating a residential college atmosphere. Indiana winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between classes.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes than at massive state schools. Students gather at the student center or explore downtown Muncie's restaurants and shops. Basketball games draw crowds as the Cardinals compete in the Mid-American Conference with 17 varsity sports programs. Weekend activities revolve around campus events, Greek life, and trips to Indianapolis for concerts or professional sports. The David Letterman College of Communications attracts students interested in media careers, and many participate in campus television and radio stations. With 90.27% in-state enrollment, most students share Midwest backgrounds and values, creating a close-knit community feel.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes than at massive state schools. Students gather at the student center or explore downtown Muncie's restaurants and shops. Basketball games draw crowds as the Cardinals compete in the Mid-American Conference with 17 varsity sports programs. Weekend activities revolve around campus events, Greek life, and trips to Indianapolis for concerts or professional sports. The David Letterman College of Communications attracts students interested in media careers, and many participate in campus television and radio stations. With 90.27% in-state enrollment, most students share Midwest backgrounds and values, creating a close-knit community feel.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 7,046 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1918
Campus Safety (2023)
110 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 19 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 9 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 8 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.4"
Student Demographics
Ball State draws heavily from Indiana, with 90% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong reputation within the state and its role as an affordable option for Hoosier families. Women outnumber men , likely drawn by the school's well-known education and communications programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Ball State serves many first-generation and working-class families. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic communities. These demographics align with Ball State's mission as an accessible public university serving Indiana's diverse population.
- Men
- 39.1%
- Women
- 60.9%
- White
- 73.0%
- Black
- 10.1%
- Hispanic
- 7.6%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 90.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.6%
Location
Ball State sits in Muncie, Indiana, about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The city has around 65,000 residents, making it a classic small college town where the university shapes much of the local culture and economy. Muncie gained fame as "Middletown USA" after sociologists studied it as a typical American community in the 1920s and 1930s. The campus spans 1,140 acres in the heart of the city, with red-brick Georgian architecture defining much of the landscape. With 90.27% of students coming from in-state, Ball State draws heavily from Indiana's population centers. The surrounding area offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods and rural farmland typical of east-central Indiana. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Ball State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Muncie, Indiana 47306
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,833
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,001
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ball State University?
Ball State accepts 68.95% of applicants with average test scores of 1175 SAT or 26 ACT. The university draws heavily from Indiana with 90.27% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Ball State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,898 annually after aid is applied. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,233 on average, while the sticker price for in-state tuition is $10,758.
What is Ball State University known for academically?
Ball State houses the strong David Letterman College of Communications and maintains strong telecommunications programs. The university operates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio serving 13,770 students in Muncie.
What are the career outcomes for Ball State University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,833 ten years after graduation with a 96.8% employment rate. About 63.30% of students complete their degree within six years, and typical graduates carry $23,250 in debt.
Where do students live at Ball State University?
The campus houses 7,046 students in residence halls with room and board costing $12,064 annually. Ball State operates on a semester calendar system in the small city setting of Muncie, Indiana.
Does Ball State University have notable alumni connections?
Ball State's most famous graduate is David Letterman, who donated to create the communications college bearing his name. Other notable alumni include Papa John's founder Papa John Schnatter and actress Joyce DeWitt from Three's Company.
