Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana · Public · 85.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 54/100 · Below Average Value
Ball State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,082/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,630/yr |
| Average net price | $14,940/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $59,760 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,833 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 62.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,988 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg 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 |
| $110,001+ | $23,479 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Ball State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $49,657 | D |
| Teacher Education | $48,344 | C |
| Psychology | $48,421 | D |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $47,737 | D |
| Business Administration and Management | $67,141 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $76,161 | B |
| Biology | $55,097 | D |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $50,260 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,997 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,053 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Ball State University is $11,082/year ($29,630/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,940/year, or roughly $59,760 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,834/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,479/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $246 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,833 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 68.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 85.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-620 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 550-640 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-24 |
| Enrollment | 13,988 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 34.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,408 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University (this school) | 54 | $14,940 | $51,833 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | 67 | $11,668 | $55,198 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
| Montana State University | 52 | $22,499 | $53,263 |
| Western Michigan University | 50 | $15,273 | $53,562 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | 35 | $13,171 | $45,872 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Ball State University is mixed. At $14,940 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11.9 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $23,250 against $51,833 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.