About Butler University
Butler University draws 4,383 students to its Indianapolis campus with a combination of academic rigor and basketball fame. The Bulldogs captured national attention with back-to-back NCAA championship game appearances, turning their historic Hinkle Fieldhouse into a symbol of March Madness magic. Students come for strong pharmacy and business programs alongside the school's full liberal arts offerings. Late-night television icon David Letterman walked these halls as an undergraduate, representing the kind of creative and ambitious graduates Butler produces.
The sticker price hits $63,150 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. Students from middle-class families typically pay around $36,000 to $39,000 per year after grants and scholarships. Graduates earn a median of $77,235 ten years after leaving Butler, making the typical debt load of $26,000 quite manageable. The 97% employment rate suggests Butler students land jobs quickly after graduation.
Women outnumber men 59% to 37% across campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Nearly half the student body comes from Indiana, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. The 88% retention rate indicates students stick around once they experience Butler's blend of academic excellence and Bulldog pride.
The sticker price hits $63,150 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. Students from middle-class families typically pay around $36,000 to $39,000 per year after grants and scholarships. Graduates earn a median of $77,235 ten years after leaving Butler, making the typical debt load of $26,000 quite manageable. The 97% employment rate suggests Butler students land jobs quickly after graduation.
Women outnumber men 59% to 37% across campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Nearly half the student body comes from Indiana, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. The 88% retention rate indicates students stick around once they experience Butler's blend of academic excellence and Bulldog pride.
Academics & Faculty
Butler operates as a full private university with particularly strong professional programs. The pharmacy school ranks among the nation's top programs and requires a competitive six-year doctorate track. The business school emphasizes experiential learning through Indianapolis corporate partnerships. Students work closely with faculty in an 11:1 ratio that enables personalized attention across all majors. The 80% four-year graduation rate reflects this supportive academic environment. Education and nursing programs also draw high-performing students seeking direct career preparation. Butler combines liberal arts coursework with professional training, meaning students study literature and philosophy alongside their specialized major requirements. The university's location in Indianapolis provides internship opportunities that complement classroom learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.2%
- Retention Rate
- 88.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,235
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,557 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,964 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,990 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $49,058 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $49,019 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $40,485 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $36,183 |
Campus Life
Butler sits on a tree-lined campus just five miles from downtown Indianapolis, giving students easy access to internships and entertainment without losing the college feel. About 56% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between the historic buildings and modern facilities. Indianapolis winters require a good coat and boots, while summers call for plenty of sunscreen during outdoor activities.
The iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse anchors campus life, especially during basketball season when the entire student body rallies behind the Bulldogs. With 59% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students often spend weekends exploring Indianapolis's food scene, catching Pacers or Colts games, or participating in the 200+ student organizations on campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students volunteer in Indianapolis through Butler's extensive community service programs, taking advantage of the urban setting while maintaining strong campus traditions.
The iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse anchors campus life, especially during basketball season when the entire student body rallies behind the Bulldogs. With 59% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students often spend weekends exploring Indianapolis's food scene, catching Pacers or Colts games, or participating in the 200+ student organizations on campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students volunteer in Indianapolis through Butler's extensive community service programs, taking advantage of the urban setting while maintaining strong campus traditions.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,459 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1855
Campus Safety (2023)
81 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 17 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 26.7"
Student Demographics
Butler draws a solid mix of Indiana natives and students from across the country, with about 44% coming from in-state. The student body skews 60% female, reflecting strong programs in pharmacy, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more women. Only 14% receive Pell Grants, indicating Butler primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families who can afford the $45,980 tuition. The predominantly white student population mirrors Indianapolis demographics but shows limited diversity. Students here tend to be academically solid rather than top, with average SAT scores around 1215, drawn by Butler's reputation for personal attention and professional preparation.
- Men
- 40.6%
- Women
- 59.4%
- White
- 79.2%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 6.8%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 43.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.8%
Location
Butler University sits in Indianapolis, the nation's 16th largest city with over 870,000 residents. The campus occupies a tree-lined neighborhood just five miles north of downtown Indianapolis. Students get the benefits of a major metropolitan area including internships at Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and cultural attractions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The city hosts the Indianapolis 500 and numerous other major events throughout the year. Indianapolis serves as a regional center for the Midwest, offering extensive networking opportunities in business, healthcare, and technology sectors. The urban setting provides easy access to restaurants, entertainment, and career opportunities while maintaining a distinct campus feel. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Butler University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,235
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $71,274
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $55,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Butler University?
Butler University accepts 82% of applicants with average SAT scores of 1215. The school draws students who value small classes and strong academics, as shown by its 88% retention rate.
How much does Butler University cost after financial aid?
Butler students pay an average net price of $38,472 after aid, with total costs reaching $63,150. The university provides institutional grants averaging $25,728 to 25% of students, helping manage the private school price tag.
What is Butler University known for academically?
Butler maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly recognized for its pharmacy and business programs. The university's comprehensive approach shows in its strong 80% six-year graduation rate.
What do Butler University graduates earn after college?
Butler alumni earn a median salary of $77,235 ten years after graduation, with 97% finding employment. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.
Where is Butler University located and what is campus life like?
Butler sits in Indianapolis with housing for 2,459 students out of 4,383 total enrollment. The campus features the famous Hinkle Fieldhouse, home to Division I basketball that reached two consecutive NCAA championship games.
Does Butler University have a strong athletics program?
Butler competes in the BIG EAST Conference with 16 varsity sports and 443 total athletes. The Bulldogs basketball program gained national attention with back-to-back NCAA championship game appearances, cementing the school's athletic reputation beyond its $6.6 million in athletic scholarships.
