Ball State University vs Indiana University-South Bend
Ball State University is a public university in Muncie, IN, and Indiana University-South Bend is a public university in South Bend, IN. Indiana University-South Bend is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% of applicants against 86% at Ball State University. Indiana University-South Bend is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,653 a year against $14,940 at Ball State University. About 63% of students graduate at Ball State University, compared with 38% at Indiana University-South Bend. Ten years after enrolling, Ball State University alumni earn a median of about $51,833, against $44,947 for Indiana University-South Bend.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Muncie, IN
South Bend, IN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,988
3,933
Acceptance rate
86%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1260
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
21–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,940
$8,653
Full cost / yr
$26,146
$17,364
In-state tuition
$11,082
$8,424
Out-of-state tuition
$29,630
$22,811
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,834
$4,637
$30k - $48k
$9,848
$4,926
$48k - $75k
$14,333
$8,195
$75k - $110k
$19,567
$13,968
Over $110k
$23,479
$15,825
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
38%
Freshman retention
78%
65%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,394
$41,388
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,833
$44,947
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,355
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
43%
First-generation students
28%
41%
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 University-South Bend harder to get into?
- Indiana University-South Bend is harder to get into. It admits about 84% 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 University-South Bend?
- Indiana University-South Bend is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,653 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 University-South Bend?
- Before aid, Indiana University-South Bend costs about $17,364 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 University-South Bend?
- Indiana University-South Bend. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,637 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 University-South Bend?
- Ball State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,988 undergraduates against 3,933 at Indiana University-South Bend.
- Does Ball State University or Indiana University-South Bend have a better graduation rate?
- Ball State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 38% at Indiana University-South Bend.
- Do graduates of Ball State University or Indiana University-South Bend earn more?
- Ball State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,833 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,947 for Indiana University-South Bend. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Ball State University and Indiana University-South Bend require SAT or ACT scores?
- Ball State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Indiana University-South Bend is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Ball State University and Indiana University-South Bend look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1260 at Ball State University and 950–1190 at Indiana University-South Bend. 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 University-South Bend vs DePauw UniversityIndiana University-South Bend vs University of IndianapolisIndiana University-South Bend vs Indiana University-East
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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