Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · 4-year

Ball State University has a 71.6% acceptance rate. Ball State University is a public 4-year institution in Muncie, IN, with a median SAT of 1160 and a median ACT of 23. The average net price is $14,940 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

71.6%

28,668 applicants

SAT Median

1160

Combined score

ACT Median

23

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$14,940

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Ball State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Ball State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)108011601260
ACT (composite, 1–36)252330

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

62.8%

Retention Rate

77.7%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$51,833

Student Body

13,988

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Ball State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$7,834
$30,001 – $48,000$9,848
$48,001 – $75,000$14,333
$75,001 – $110,000$19,567
$110,000+$23,479

Top Majors at Ball State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing477
Education360
Communication & Journalism286
Health Professions245
Psychology227
Liberal Arts & General Studies205
Visual & Performing Arts175
Biological & Biomedical Sciences120
Architecture115
Parks, Recreation & Fitness108

Financial Aid at Ball State University

About Ball State University

Official website: https://www.bsu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.bsu.edu/web/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Ball State University

What is the acceptance rate at Ball State University?

Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. it received about 28,668 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1160; the average net price is $14,940 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Ball State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Ball State University?

Getting into Ball State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 72% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1160. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Ball State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Ball State University?

Admitted students at Ball State University typically have a median SAT around 1160 and a median ACT around 23. With a 72% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Ball State University?

The average net price at Ball State University is $14,940 per year after grants and scholarships. about 97% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $13,046 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Ball State University?

Ball State University has a graduation rate of 63%. its first-year retention rate is 78%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $51,833. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Ball State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Ball State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Ball State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1160. With a 72% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Ball State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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