Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
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 in which to learn and grow.
Get to know Ball State University
College Highlights
FRESHMAN COMMON READER
At summer orientation, students are given a common book that they are asked to read in order to start their college career with one guaranteed, shared experience. They then must finish a writing assignment on the book as they hone in on the theme set for many of their upcoming classes in the fall. The author of the assigned book even visits campus in September to meet the students and present a lecture.
CORE CURRICULUM
The Core Curriculum at Ball State is all about developing skills that every student should possess by the time they graduate. This set of courses is about both individual growth and learning to work as a member of a community. When both of these roles are assumed, students may become engaged and active members of society. Students will learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and pursue answers through thoughtful inquisition and research.
STUDY ABROAD
Ball State offers several different study abroad options, most of which qualify for class credit. 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 who cannot otherwise afford to spend an entire semester abroad.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 1%
Hispanic/Latino: 5%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 8%
White, non-Hispanic: 78%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
IMMERSIVE LEARNING
Immersive learning is a unique characteristic of Ball State’s education, ensuring that every student engages in faculty-led projects and programs that put academic theories to practice. Students are given the chance to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, an approach to education that yields great results. Nearly 1,500 immersive experiences are 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 within the Woods.
THE LEARNING CENTER
Students who need extra help with their coursework are welcome to stop by North Quad for free tutoring. Services include free tutoring in such areas as math, writing, and other general courses. Students also have access to online workshops and group exercises.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
Ball State founded a Supplemental Instruction initiative in order to provide extra support to students taking large lecture-based classes that historically turn out high fail/withdrawal rates. This Supplemental Instruction is run by peer mentors who themselves have already taken and passed the course. Students struggling with coursework are helped through study sessions, tutoring, note-taking tips, and additional lectures.
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) give students the chance to interact with peers who share similar interests and extend the learning process beyond the classroom and into the residence halls. LLCs make it easy for students to interact personally with their professors and get extra academic support. 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—one that may prove extra difficult for students who 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 are available to answer any 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 alike are invited to stop in and observe all that the museum has to offer.
INTERNSHIPS/CO-OPS
Ball State students are encouraged to do an internship within their chosen field of study as a way to help them gain professional experience and earn course credit. In any case, students are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor regarding requirements, rules, and guidance toward finding the best position for their individual goals.
Admission
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 550 | 75th Percentile: 630
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 530 | 75th Percentile: 610
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 24
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $9,112
Tuition (out-of-state): $25,280
Fees: $662
Room & Board: $10,034
Contact Ball State University
Contact Admissions
www.bsu.edu/admissions
(765) 285-8300
askus@bsu.edu
Campus Location
2000 W University Avenue
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241