Ball State University vs Purdue University Northwest
Ball State University is a public university in Muncie, IN. Purdue University Northwest is a public university in Hammond, IN. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants and Ball State University about 86%, making Purdue University Northwest the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $6,079 a year at Purdue University Northwest after aid, and about $14,940 at Ball State University. About 63% of students graduate at Ball State University, compared with 43% at Purdue University Northwest. Ten years after enrolling, Ball State University alumni earn a median of about $51,833, against $48,318 for Purdue University Northwest.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Muncie, IN
Hammond, IN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,988
5,671
Acceptance rate
86%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1260
890–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,940
$6,079
Full cost / yr
$26,146
$15,571
In-state tuition
$11,082
$8,675
Out-of-state tuition
$29,630
$16,094
Application fee
$60
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,834
$1,432
$30k - $48k
$9,848
$2,428
$48k - $75k
$14,333
$7,026
$75k - $110k
$19,567
$12,452
Over $110k
$23,479
$13,645
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
43%
Freshman retention
78%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,394
$48,439
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,833
$48,318
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,229
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
28%
First-generation students
28%
43%
International students
1%
4%
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 Purdue University Northwest harder to get into?
- Purdue University Northwest is harder to get into. It admits about 72% 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 Northwest?
- Purdue University Northwest is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,079 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 Northwest?
- Before aid, Purdue University Northwest costs about $15,571 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 Northwest?
- Purdue University Northwest. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,432 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 Purdue University Northwest?
- Ball State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,988 undergraduates against 5,671 at Purdue University Northwest.
- Does Ball State University or Purdue University Northwest have a better graduation rate?
- Ball State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 43% at Purdue University Northwest.
- Do graduates of Ball State University or Purdue University Northwest earn more?
- Ball State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,833 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,318 for Purdue University Northwest. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Ball State University and Purdue University Northwest require SAT or ACT scores?
- Ball State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Purdue University Northwest is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Ball State University and Purdue University Northwest look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1260 at Ball State University and 890–1140 at Purdue University Northwest. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Ball State University vs University of Notre DameBall State University vs Indiana University-IndianapolisBall State University vs Indiana State UniversityPurdue University Northwest vs University of Notre DamePurdue University Northwest vs Indiana University-IndianapolisPurdue University Northwest vs Indiana State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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