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Ball State University vs Trine University

Ball State University is a public university in Muncie, IN. Trine University is a private university in Angola, IN. Trine University admits about 85% of applicants and Ball State University about 86%, making Trine University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,940 a year at Ball State University after aid, and about $25,355 at Trine University. About 66% of students graduate at Trine University, compared with 63% at Ball State University. Ten years after enrolling, Trine University alumni earn a median of about $57,165, against $51,833 for Ball State University.

Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public

Trine University

Angola, IN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Muncie, IN
Angola, IN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,988
2,324
Acceptance rate
86%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1260
1030–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,940
$25,355
Full cost / yr
$26,146
$51,109
In-state tuition
$11,082
$36,560
Out-of-state tuition
$29,630
$36,560
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,834
$19,661
$30k - $48k
$9,848
$20,470
$48k - $75k
$14,333
$19,463
$75k - $110k
$19,567
$24,031
Over $110k
$23,479
$29,066
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
66%
Freshman retention
78%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,394
$53,010
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,833
$57,165
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
16%
First-generation students
28%
32%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Ball State University or Trine University harder to get into?
Trine University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% 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 Trine University?
Ball State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,940 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,355 at Trine 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 Trine University?
Before aid, Ball State University costs about $26,146 a year and Trine University about $51,109. 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 Trine University?
Ball State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,834 there, against about $19,661 at Trine 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 Trine University?
Ball State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,988 undergraduates against 2,324 at Trine University.
Does Ball State University or Trine University have a better graduation rate?
Trine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 63% at Ball State University.
Do graduates of Ball State University or Trine University earn more?
Trine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,165 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,833 for Ball State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ball State University and Trine University require SAT or ACT scores?
Ball State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Trine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Ball State University and Trine University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1260 at Ball State University and 1030–1240 at Trine University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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