Ball State is committed to education with an innovative approach. Students are given a wide range of opportunities to explore their passions through immersive and experiential learning methods. Ball State’s unique entrepreneurship program, as well as its many impact and service initiatives, make the University an ideal environment to learn and grow.
Student Profile
Fall 2015 Enrollment
16,602 undergraduate students
89% of undergrad students are full time
41% male — 59% female
Faculty Profile
2015-2016 Academic Year
1,048 full-time faculty
228 part-time faculty
14 to 1 student/faculty ratio
Residence Life
Fall 2015
90% of first year students live on campus
41% of all students live on campus
High-Impact Practices
Read more about the importance of High-Impact Practices
| First-Year Seminars and Experiences | X |
| Common Intellectual Experiences | X |
| Learning Communities | X |
| Writing-Intensive Courses | X |
| Collaborative Assignments and Projects | X |
| Undergraduate Research | X |
| Diversity/Global Learning | X |
| Service Learning, Community-Based Learning | X |
| Internships/Coops/Practicums | X |
| Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience | X |
Retention Fall 2015
82% of students began in Fall 2014 and returned in Fall 2015 (full-time, first-time freshmen)
6-Year Graduation Rate 2015
61% of students graduated in 6 years
ENROLLMENT BY RACIAL/ETHNIC CATEGORY - FALL 2015
| Nonresident aliens | 2% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 4% |
| Black or African American | 7% |
| White | 79% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0% |
| Asian | 1% |
| Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander | 0% |
| Two or more races | 3% |
| Race and/or ethnicity unknown | 3% |
Freshman Common Reader
During summer orientation, students receive a common book which they are assigned to read. Students must also finish a writing assignment on the material they have read before they begin school. The book is incredibly important and sets the theme for many of the classes in the fall. The author of the book visits campus in September to give a free lecture.
Freshman Common Writing Experience
All students participating in Freshman Connections must complete the common writing experience. Prompts are found through Blackboard. Students are encouraged to take notes, brainstorm, and draft their work before submitting their final essay. Students are also expected to reference the Common Reader when writing their essay.
Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum at Ball State is all about developing skills that every student should possess by the time they graduate. The Core Curriculum is about both individual growth and learning to work as a member of a community. When both of these roles are assumed, students become engaged and active members of society. Students will learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and pursue answers through thoughtful inquisition and research.
Writing Proficiency Program
All Ball State students in pursuit of their bachelor’s degree must fulfill a writing proficiency requirement. If a student opts to take the exam and bypass the course, they must pass within two tries. If a student fails, they will be required to pass the writing proficiency course.
Study Abroad
Ball State offers several different study abroad options, and credit is offered in most. This is especially helpful to students looking to graduate on time. There are five different types of study abroad programs that range in length, credits, and cost: international internships, direct enroll, exchanges, and study abroad consortia. Ball State also offers faculty-led study abroad trips, which are much shorter in length. This is a huge benefit to students that cannot afford to spend an entire semester abroad.
Activities Offered
| Campus Ministries | X |
| Choral groups | X |
| Concert band | X |
| Dance | X |
| Drama/theater | X |
| International Student Organization | X |
| Jazz band | X |
| Literary magazine | X |
| Marching band | X |
| Model UN | |
| Music ensembles | X |
| Musical theater | |
| Opera | X |
| Pep band | X |
| Radio station | X |
| Student government | X |
| Student newspaper | X |
| Student-run film society | X |
| Symphony orchestra | X |
| Television station | X |
| Yearbook |
Immersive Learning
Immersive learning is a unique characteristic of Ball State’s education. Faculty lead projects and programs that promote application of academic theories. Students are given the chance to apply their knowledge to real world situations and practice what they learn in the classroom. This approach to education has yielded great results, with nearly 1,500 immersive experiences being completed each year.
Christy Woods
Christy Woods serves as classroom for the students and members of the Ball State community. This outdoor teaching laboratory features a lush forest filled with several plant communities. Ball State has two greenhouses, an indoor classroom, and an outdoor interpretation area in Christy Woods.
The Learning Center
Students that need extra help with their coursework are welcome to stop by North Quad for free tutoring. Services include free tutoring in areas such as math, writing, and other general courses. Students also have access to online workshops and group exercises.
Supplemental Instruction
Ball State created Supplemental Instruction as a response to large lecture classes that turn out high fail/withdrawal rates. A student that needs Supplemental Instruction receives tutoring from a student that has already taken and passed the course. The experienced student is called an SI Leader. The SI leader is responsible for leading study sessions throughout the week, facilitating note taking, and increasing comprehension of the material.
Common Core
| Arts/fine arts | X |
| Computer literacy | |
| English (including composition) | X |
| Foreign languages | |
| History | X |
| Humanities | X |
| Mathematics | X |
| Philosophy | |
| Sciences (biological or physical) | X |
| Social science | X |
Class size breakdown
| Size | 2-9 | 10-19 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-99 | 100+ | Total |
| Number of Classes | 279 | 826 | 928 | 276 | 146 | 113 | 55 | 2623 |
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) give students the chance to interact with peers that share similar interests. LLCs also allow the learning process to extend beyond the classroom and into the residence halls. LLCs promote greater interaction with faculty, as well as provide academic support. Students involved in an LLC generally have better grades and enjoy living and learning with their peers. Ball State offers several different community options, which are listed below:
- Business LLC
- Communication LLC
- Design LLC
- Discover LLC
- Early and Elementary Education LLC
- Emerging Media LLC
- Honors LLC
- International/Modern Languages LLC
- Nursing LLC
- Social Sciences LLC
- STEM LLC
- SURF LLC
- Theatre and Dance LLC
- Transfer LLC
Commuter Ambassadors
Ball State recognizes that the first year of college is a big transition, and this can be even harder for students that have to commute to school. To rectify this, Ball State established Commuter Ambassadors to bridge the gap between on and off campus first year students. Commuter Ambassadors answer questions about Ball State and help commuters get used to the campus community.
David Owsley Museum of Art
Grandson of one of the University founders, David Owsley has contributed a great deal to the campus museum of art. The museum features a wide array of pieces from around the world, with an emphasis on European and American artworks. Students and community members are invited to stop in and observe all that the museum has to offer.
CAMPUS HOUSING OPTIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATES
| Coed dorms | X |
| Men’s dorms | X |
| Women’s dorms | X |
| Apartments for married students | X |
| Apartments for single students | X |
| Special housing for disabled students | X |
| Special housing for international students | X |
| Fraternity/sorority housing | X |
| Cooperative housing | |
| Theme housing | X |
| Wellness housing | |
| Other housing options |
Internships/Co-Ops
Ball State students are encouraged to do an internship within their chosen field of study. Students may submit their part-time/full-time internships for credit. In any case, students are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor regarding requirements and rules.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Fall 2015
22,147 Total Applicants
13,399 Total Admissions
3,503 Total Freshman Enrollment
Selectivity
60.50% of applicants admitted
Admissions Deadlines for 2016-17 Admission
Rolling Admission? No
Closing Date: 8/10
Priority Date: 3/1
Admissions Factors
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Standardized test scores
Considered
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
Volunteer work
Work experience
Freshman Profile Fall 2015
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | |
| SAT Critical Reading | 510 | 600 |
| SAT Math | 500 | 590 |
| SAT Writing | 490 | 580 |
| ACT Composite | 20 | 24 |
| ACT Math | ||
| ACT English | ||
| ACT Writing |
TUITION AND COSTS
Net Price Calculator
http://cms.bsu.edu/admissions/scholarshipsandfinancialaid/netpricecalculator
TUITION AND COSTS BEFORE FINANCIAL AID 2015-2016
| Expenses | In-State | Out-of-State |
| Tuition | $8,836 | $24,354 |
| Fees | $662 | $662 |
| Total | $9,498 | $25,016 |
| Room and Board (on campus) | $9,656 | $9,656 |
| Estimated Total On Campus | $19,154 | $34,672 |
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid Breakdown 2014-2015
89% of full-time, first-time undergraduates awarded any financial aid
67% of full-time, first-time undergraduates awarded student loan aid
$10,754 Average amount of federal, state, local, or institutional grant aid awarded
$7,242 Average amount of student loan aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
