Indiana University-Bloomington vs Ball State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Indiana University-Bloomington comes out ahead: 84/100 to 54/100, a 30-point edge over Ball State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Ball State University runs $14,940 a year against $16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington - $1,324 more a year, or about $5,296 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn a median $63,742 against $51,833 at Ball State University. The cost earns itself back in 7.1 years at Indiana University-Bloomington and 11.9 years at Ball State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Indiana University-Bloomington owing a median $19,509 versus $23,250 at Ball State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.66 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Indiana University-Bloomi... | Ball State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,144 | $11,082 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,891 | $29,630 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,264 | $14,940 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $65,056 | $59,760 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,200 | $35,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,742 | $51,833 |
| Graduation Rate | 80.2% | 62.3% |
| Payback Period | 7.1 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,509 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.66 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.1% | 74.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.7% | 68.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.2% | 85.5% |
| Enrollment | 37,806 | 13,988 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1400 | 1080-1260 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Indiana University-B... | Ball State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,324 | $7,834 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,610 | $9,848 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,154 | $14,333 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,204 | $19,567 |
| $110,001+ | $25,128 | $23,479 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Indiana University-B... | Ball State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $105,583 | $67,141 |
| Economics | $99,653 | $56,782 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $98,539 | $79,620 |
| Registered Nursing | $81,781 | $76,161 |
| Apparel and Textiles | $77,520 | $52,542 |
| International Relations | $69,992 | $58,953 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $68,675 | $55,053 |
| Public Health | $68,038 | $52,202 |
| Biology | $65,224 | $55,097 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $63,855 | $51,186 |
| Chemistry | $61,024 | $63,764 |
| Romance Languages | $61,757 | $51,294 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $60,199 | $61,677 |
| Journalism | $59,151 | $49,456 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $58,390 | $50,260 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Indiana University-B... | Ball State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 86 | 63 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 82 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 38 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 64 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 77 | 52 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 54 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Indiana University-Bloomington clearly outperforms Ball State University (84 vs 54), a 30-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Ball State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Indiana University-Bloomington.
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Indiana University-Bloomington
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Ball State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.