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Ball State University vs University of Notre Dame

Ball State University is a public university in Muncie, IN, and University of Notre Dame is a private university in Notre Dame, IN. University of Notre Dame is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 86% at Ball State University. Ball State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,940 a year against $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. About 96% of students graduate at University of Notre Dame, compared with 63% at Ball State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Notre Dame alumni earn a median of about $99,980, against $51,833 for Ball State University.

Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Muncie, IN
Notre Dame, IN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,988
8,818
Acceptance rate
86%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1260
1455–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,940
$26,780
Full cost / yr
$26,146
$83,271
In-state tuition
$11,082
$65,025
Out-of-state tuition
$29,630
$65,025
Application fee
$60
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,834
$7,244
$30k - $48k
$9,848
$7,254
$48k - $75k
$14,333
$11,432
$75k - $110k
$19,567
$18,670
Over $110k
$23,479
$45,321
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
96%
Freshman retention
78%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,394
$86,210
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,833
$99,980
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$19,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
14%
First-generation students
28%
10%
International students
1%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
May 1
Jan 4

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 University of Notre Dame harder to get into?
University of Notre Dame is harder to get into. It admits about 11% 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 University of Notre Dame?
Ball State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,940 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. 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 University of Notre Dame?
Before aid, Ball State University costs about $26,146 a year and University of Notre Dame about $83,271. 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 University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,244 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 University of Notre Dame?
Ball State University is the larger of the two, with about 13,988 undergraduates against 8,818 at University of Notre Dame.
Does Ball State University or University of Notre Dame have a better graduation rate?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 63% at Ball State University.
Do graduates of Ball State University or University of Notre Dame earn more?
University of Notre Dame alumni earn more on average: a median of about $99,980 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 University of Notre Dame require SAT or ACT scores?
Ball State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Notre Dame is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Ball State University and University of Notre Dame look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1260 at Ball State University and 1455–1560 at University of Notre Dame. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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