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Ball State University

Muncie, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 13,752
  • Tuition Fee From$ 21,222
  • Country Rank#243
  • Batch Strength21,597
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1918, Ball State is named after the Ball brothers, who donated the land and funding for the establishment of the university. With a student population of over 22,000, Ball State is the largest university in East Central Indiana and the sixth-largest university in the state. The university offers over 190 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programmes, as well as over 100 graduate degree programmes. The university is known for its strong programmes in education, business, and communication, as well as its nationally recognised programmes in architecture, nursing, and sports administration. The university also offers a number of unique programmes, such as its immersive learning programme, which provides students with hands-on, real-world experience in their fields of study.

 

One of the notable features of Ball State is its beautiful campus, which spans over 1,000 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The university is home to several impressive buildings, including the David Owsley Museum of Art, which houses over 11,000 works of art from around the world. The university also boasts several state-of-the-art facilities, including the John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium, which hosts a variety of cultural and educational events throughout the year.

 

In addition to its academic programmes and facilities, Ball State University  is also known for its vibrant campus life. The university offers over 400 student organisations, ranging from academic and professional organisations to cultural and recreational groups. The university also has a strong athletic programme, with 19 varsity sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference.

 

The university is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, as well as work-study opportunities and paid internships. In addition, Ball State has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practises on campus.

University Name Ball State University
Official Website https://www.bsu.edu/
Year of Establishment 1918
Average Living Cost $17,996
Total Students Enrolled 19,777
University Type Public
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Ranking

US News and World Report of 2024 placed the university at #216 in National Universities list. Additionally, the university was ranked #116 in Top Public Schools. Lastly, another reputable position it gained was - #195 in Best Value Schools. 

 

Ball State is also recognized as a top-performing university by the National Council on Teacher Quality, with the organization giving the university an overall grade of "A-" for its teacher preparation programs. In addition, Ball State has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with the university earning a spot on the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges for several consecutive years.  Here are some of the university's notable rankings:

 

  • #205 - Best Universities In Nation - College Factul 2024
  • #6 - Best Colleges In Indiana - College Factual 2024
  • #363 - Best Colleges in America - Niche 2024
  • #166 - Top Public Universities in America - Niche 2024

 

Course-wise Rankings: 

  • #116 - Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America
  • #110 - Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
  • #146 - Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
  • #168 - Best Colleges for Sports Management in America
  • #178 - Best Colleges for Design in America

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

#935

Facilities

Ball State University is a public research university located in Muncie, Indiana, USA. The university offers a wide range of facilities to its students, faculty, and staff. Some of the major facilities at the university are -

 

Libraries: The university has two major libraries, the Bracken Library and the Architecture Library. Bracken Library is the main library, which has over 2.5 million volumes, including books, journals, and other resources. The Architecture Library serves the College of Architecture and Planning.

 

Recreation and Wellness: The university has a Recreation and Wellness Centre (RWC), which offers various fitness programmes, group exercise classes, personal training, and other wellness services. The RWC has a swimming pool, basketball courts, an indoor track, and other fitness equipment.

 

Student centres: There are two student centres, the L.A. Pittenger Student Centre and the Jo Ann Goura Student Recreation and Wellness Centre. These centres offer a range of services to students, including dining facilities, meeting rooms, and study areas.

 

Technology: The university has a robust technology infrastructure, including high-speed Wi-Fi, computer labs, and specialised software for various academic disciplines.

 

Housing: The university offers on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suite-style housing, and apartments. The university also has family housing options for students with families.

 

Health services: The university has a health centre that offers various health services, including primary care, mental health counselling, and pharmacy services.

 

Athletics: Ball State University is a member of the Mid-American Conference and offers a range of NCAA Division I sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball. The university also has intramural sports and club sports programmes.

Notable Alumni

Joyce DeWitt
Joyce DeWitt
American Actress
Claire Buffie
Claire Buffie
American Photographer
Amanda Carpenter
Amanda Carpenter
American Author

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Ball State University acceptance rate stands at 69% for international students in 2024. This number indicates that admission is moderately selective. The committee scrutinises every application thoroughly and gives a go-ahead on the basis on that. 

 

In 2023, Ball State University had a slightly higher acceptance rate of 68.95% compared to their 10-year average of 67.07%. However, fewer accepted students chose to enroll, with the yield rate dipping from the 25.58% average to 22.06% for the class of 2023. The university also saw a marginal 0.38% decrease in the number of applicants this year, which amounts to 88 fewer applications than the previous cycle.

 

Entry Requirements

Ball State University offers over 300 programmes at different levels. It has an acceptance rate of 62% with a selective admission process. Applications are accepted for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The entry requirements can vary depending on the programme selected. Students may also have to pay an application fee of $60. Below are the entry requirements for admission - 

 

  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts
  • SAT or ACT Scores - 1160/23
  • GMAT /GRE Scores- 450/145
  • Financial documents
  • Copy of the Passport
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume

 

Accepted English proficiency test scores

  • TOEFL iBT  - 79
  • IELTS - 6.5
  • PTE  - 53

 

Fees

Ball State University offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on popular courses offered by the institution -

 

  • M.S Software Engineering - $44,388 /Yr
  • M.B.A - $44,388 /Yr
  • M.S Interior Design Option - $44,388 /Yr
  • B.A/B.S Philosophy - $53,392 /Yr
  • B.A/B.S Entrepreneurial Management - $53,392 /Yr
  • M.S Actuarial Science - $44,388 /Yr

 

Placement

Ball State University has a strong reputation for preparing its students for successful careers, and it offers a range of services and resources to help students find internships and employment opportunities. The university has a dedicated Career Centre that provides various services and resources to students, including career counselling, job search assistance, resume and cover letter reviews, and career fairs. According to the university's Career Centre, the overall placement rate for Ball State graduates is consistently high, with 93% of the graduates either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Additionally, the average starting salary for Ball State graduates was $47,000.

 

The university also has strong relationships with local and regional employers, and many students secure internships and full-time positions through these connections. Some of the top employers of Ball State graduates include Amazon, General Motors, Cummins, and Eli Lilly. The university also offers various programmes and initiatives that help students gain real-world experience and build their professional networks. For example, the university has a nationally recognised entrepreneurship programme, a student-run public relations agency, and a number of experiential learning opportunities across various academic disciplines.

 

Scholarship

UniScholars serves as a vital resource for students pursuing academic excellence. Dedicated to democratising higher education, UniScholars offers a diverse array of scholarship opportunities tailored to various fields and backgrounds. By providing accessible and comprehensive support, UniScholars aims to empower aspiring scholars worldwide in their pursuit of educational success.

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Ball State University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Ball State University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Muncie, Indiana is a mid-sized city located in the east-central part of the state, and it is home to Ball State University, a public research institution with over 21,000 students. As such, the city has a vibrant student life with plenty of activities and resources available for those studying at the university. The overall cost of living in Muncie is 29% lower than the national average. Other major expenses such as transportation and groceries are around 5% lower than the national average. This makes the city a good option for students planning to study in Indiana. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -


 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$619

On-Campus Accommodation

$637

Transportation

$71

Food Cost

$318

Utility Cost

$256

Entertainment

$32

Groceries

$46

Clothes

$60

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,482

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$1,500

Annual Cost of Living

$17,996

FAQs