About Ball State University
Ball State University originated as a teacher’s college in Muncie, Indiana, in the early twentieth century. by the 1960s, the college began to expand increasing enrollment and degree programs. By 1965, Indiana’s general assembly awarded the college university status. Today, Ball State awards Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. For adult learners and students requiring added flexibility, Ball State University offers online degree and certificate programs. A wide range of online graduate programs extends from certificates and specialist degrees to Master’s and Doctorate programs.
Ball State offers various delivery methods of instruction to best accommodate the different lifestyles of learners. Students can choose the traditional on-campus class format or attend classes at off-campus locations in Indianapolis and Fishers, Indiana. In addition, online classes are delivered in two formats: Asynchronous courses engage students via email, discussion boards, file sharing, chats, Web page posting, and sometimes by phone; web conferencing via streamed video requires attendance at designated times.
Accreditation & Licensing
Ball State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 16,022 ; Graduate: 7,616Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 9% ; Graduate: 83%Graduation Rate:
62%Transfer Rate:
22%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$51,833Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$23,250Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
67%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,279Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Ball State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Ball State can support a non-linear path to graduation. One enrollment path stretched from 2012 to summer 2025 and still moved forward to completion, which shows a school where stopping and restarting can remain workable over time. Time to finish depends heavily on major fit, though, because workload intensity is not the same across departments.
Price-to-value is a clear strength. Ball State is described as effective for its in-state price, and one scholarship example brought annual cost to about $3,000 per person while living off campus. Cost fit can shift for out-of-state students, especially in higher-intensity tracks where the workload can extend the path.
At Ball State, support feels personal and easy to access. Professors are described as approachable and helpful when students need guidance.
That responsiveness gives students a clear place to go when classes get hard. Many students say they enjoy their classes, which shows steady follow-through in day-to-day support.
There have been admin hiccups, like dorm app problems during room selection. Even so, the overall experience is positive, with support that helps students settle in and keep moving.
Ball State’s online classes include hands-on work. Some online tracks use supervised fieldwork. Courses also use mock assignments tied to real jobs. That adds practical structure to online study.
Instructors are described as accessible and caring. Online learning here is not just passive reading. The format includes applied tasks with clear career use. This setup fits students who want practice, not only theory.
Classes at Ball State can feel different from one program to another. Professors are often friendly and well qualified. Many students enjoy their classes and feel engaged in the learning process.
Hands-on projects and real-world learning are a regular part of many courses. At the same time, class pace is not the same everywhere. Some large lectures move quickly and stay broad. Workload can also vary a lot by department.
Overall, Ball State offers strong teaching and active learning. Your day-to-day class experience depends a lot on your major and course path.
Ball State delivers strong value for many students. Price-to-quality is a clear plus. One scholarship case landed near $3,000 yearly off campus. Faculty are often approachable and easy to reach.
The school also feels welcoming and community-minded. Academic fit varies a lot by major and class type. Some large lectures can feel rushed. Workload can turn intense in certain tracks.
One sink-or-swim path showed heavy project hours and sleep loss. A major change improved fit and day-to-day experience. Support is solid at the people level. Process reliability is less even at times.
A housing-selection app issue affected options for sophomores. Online learning includes supervised fieldwork and mock job tasks. Overall, Ball State is a good-value school with practical learning and variable pace by department.
Ball State delivers strong value for many students. Price-to-quality is a clear plus. One scholarship case landed near $3,000 yearly off campus. Faculty are often approachable and easy to reach.
The school also feels welcoming and community-minded. Academic fit varies a lot by major and class type. Some large lectures can feel rushed. Workload can turn intense in certain tracks.
One sink-or-swim path showed heavy project hours and sleep loss. A major change improved fit and day-to-day experience. Support is solid at the people level. Process reliability is less even at times.
A housing-selection app issue affected options for sophomores. Online learning includes supervised fieldwork and mock job tasks. Overall, Ball State is a good-value school with practical learning and variable pace by department.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball State University
Is Ball State University accredited?
Yes. Ball State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Ball State University offer?
Ball State University offers 67 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Ball State University offer?
Ball State University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at Ball State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Ball State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Ball State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Ball State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Ball State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Ball State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.2, and 2.8 appears most often.
Is Ball State University military friendly?
Ball State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Ball State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Ball State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Ball State University accept life experience credit?
Ball State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Ball State University programs fully online or mixed?
Ball State University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Ball State University offer?
Ball State University has online program options in areas such as Education, Business, Art & Liberal Arts, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Ball State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); AACSB International (AACSB); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Ball State University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Ball State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Ball State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Ball State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Ball State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Ball State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Ball State University is featured in 34 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Ball State University is located in Indiana
Indiana at a Glance:

Top Majors in Indiana:
Top Incentives in Indiana:
- 21st Century Scholarship: Full tuition at public institutions
Top Career Pathways in Indiana:
- Entry Level: Process Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Manufacturing Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Plant Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PE



































