At $15,898/yr net price, Ball State University graduates earn $51,833/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,833/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,898 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,833/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,833/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,233/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,717/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,882/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,748/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,756/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,124 | $33,250 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $75,989 | $19,632 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $75,204 | |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $24,250 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $65,610 | $23,417 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $25,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $16,654 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $57,995 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $22,665 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,505 | $24,732 |
The Risk Factor
63.3% of students at Ball State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ball State University delivers solid financial value for Indiana residents, with a net price of $15,898 that generates median earnings of $51,833 within ten years. The 63% graduation rate means one in three students never finish, creating financial risk for those who accumulate debt without earning their degree.
Nursing stands out as Ball State's strongest financial program, producing graduates earning $92,124 annually despite higher debt loads of $33,250. Information Science students also perform well at $75,989 with below-average debt of $19,632. Business majors earn a respectable $65,610, making it a solid middle-ground choice. Educational Administration graduates command $75,204, though this typically requires additional graduate work.
The biggest financial risk at Ball State is the 77% retention rate, suggesting nearly a quarter of freshmen leave after their first year. Students who struggle academically or feel uncertain about their major should consider starting at a community college before transferring.
Ball State works best financially for Indiana residents who can live on campus affordably and know their career direction. Out-of-state students face much higher costs that may not justify the return. The relatively low percentage receiving aid means merit scholarships are limited, so middle-income families often pay close to full price.
If you can graduate in four years and enter a strong program like nursing or information science, Ball State provides good value. If you are unsure about your major or worried about completing your degree, the combination of moderate costs and graduation risks makes this a questionable investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ball State University worth the cost?
Ball State offers decent value with a net price of $15,898 and median debt of $23,250, but graduates earn only $51,833 after 10 years. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with nursing and information science programs paying significantly more than the average.
What are the highest paying programs at Ball State University?
Nursing programs lead at Ball State with graduates earning over $92,000, followed by information science at $75,989. These programs justify the cost much better than the school average of $51,833.
How much debt do Ball State University graduates have?
Ball State graduates have a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $51,833, debt-to-income ratios can be tight for graduates in lower-paying majors.
Does Ball State University have good job outcomes?
Ball State's 63% graduation rate is below average, and 10-year earnings of $51,833 are modest for a bachelor's degree. Job outcomes vary dramatically by program, with nursing and business majors faring much better than others.