Ball State University vs Indiana State University
Ball State University is a public university in Muncie, IN, and Indiana State University is a public university in Terre Haute, IN. Indiana State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 81% of applicants against 86% at Ball State University. Indiana State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,873 a year against $14,940 at Ball State University. About 63% of students graduate at Ball State University, compared with 42% at Indiana State University. Ten years after enrolling, Ball State University alumni earn a median of about $51,833, against $48,387 for Indiana State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Muncie, IN
Terre Haute, IN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,988
6,188
Acceptance rate
86%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1260
910–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,940
$10,873
Full cost / yr
$26,146
$24,535
In-state tuition
$11,082
$10,258
Out-of-state tuition
$29,630
$22,322
Application fee
$60
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,834
$6,455
$30k - $48k
$9,848
$6,571
$48k - $75k
$14,333
$9,317
$75k - $110k
$19,567
$15,450
Over $110k
$23,479
$19,345
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
42%
Freshman retention
78%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,394
$41,047
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,833
$48,387
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
42%
First-generation students
28%
36%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
May 1
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Ball State University or Indiana State University harder to get into?
- Indiana State University is harder to get into. It admits about 81% of applicants, compared with 86% at Ball State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Ball State University or Indiana State University?
- Indiana State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,873 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,940 at Ball State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Ball State University and Indiana State University?
- Before aid, Indiana State University costs about $24,535 a year and Ball State University about $26,146. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Ball State University or Indiana State University?
- Indiana State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,455 there, against about $7,834 at Ball State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Ball State University or Indiana State University?
- Ball State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,988 undergraduates against 6,188 at Indiana State University.
- Does Ball State University or Indiana State University have a better graduation rate?
- Ball State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 42% at Indiana State University.
- Do graduates of Ball State University or Indiana State University earn more?
- Ball State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,833 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,387 for Indiana State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Ball State University and Indiana State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Ball State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Indiana State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Ball State University and Indiana State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1260 at Ball State University and 910–1120 at Indiana State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Ball State University vs University of Notre DameBall State University vs Purdue University NorthwestBall State University vs Indiana University-IndianapolisIndiana State University vs University of Notre DameIndiana State University vs Purdue University NorthwestIndiana State University vs Indiana University-Indianapolis
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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