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Ball State University vs Purdue University Fort Wayne

Ball State University is a public university in Muncie, IN, and Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public university in Fort Wayne, IN. Purdue University Fort Wayne is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% of applicants against 86% at Ball State University. Purdue University Fort Wayne is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,171 a year against $14,940 at Ball State University. About 63% of students graduate at Ball State University, compared with 34% at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Ten years after enrolling, Ball State University alumni earn a median of about $51,833, against $45,872 for Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Muncie, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,988
5,484
Acceptance rate
86%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1260
970–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,940
$13,171
Full cost / yr
$26,146
$22,183
In-state tuition
$11,082
$9,532
Out-of-state tuition
$29,630
$22,887
Application fee
$60
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,834
$8,306
$30k - $48k
$9,848
$8,703
$48k - $75k
$14,333
$12,444
$75k - $110k
$19,567
$18,430
Over $110k
$23,479
$20,224
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
34%
Freshman retention
78%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,394
$42,873
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,833
$45,872
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
25%
First-generation students
28%
35%
International students
1%
3%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Ball State University or Purdue University Fort Wayne harder to get into?
Purdue University Fort Wayne 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne?
Purdue University Fort Wayne is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,171 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne?
Before aid, Purdue University Fort Wayne costs about $22,183 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne?
Ball State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,834 there, against about $8,306 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Ball State University or Purdue University Fort Wayne?
Ball State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,988 undergraduates against 5,484 at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Does Ball State University or Purdue University Fort Wayne have a better graduation rate?
Ball State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 34% at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Do graduates of Ball State University or Purdue University Fort Wayne earn more?
Ball State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,833 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,872 for Purdue University Fort Wayne. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ball State University and Purdue University Fort Wayne require SAT or ACT scores?
Ball State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Purdue University Fort Wayne is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Ball State University and Purdue University Fort Wayne look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1260 at Ball State University and 970–1220 at Purdue University Fort Wayne. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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