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Ball State University

Muncie, IN

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"We Fly"

Wikipedia
1918
Founded
Public research university
Type
13,770
Total Students
14,874
Undergrad
5,566
Graduate
$411M
Endowment
(2024)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$29K
Tuition (Out-State)
$16K
Avg Net Price
72%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
6-year
77%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Geoffrey Mearns

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Ball State University

Ball State: Soar to success at a leading public research university!

Nestled in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University is a vibrant public research institution distinguished by its "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" classification. Committed to fostering academic excellence and impactful discovery, Ball State invites prospective students to join a thriving community where the motto "We Fly" encapsulates a spirit of ambition and forward momentum.

The university's rich history began with humble roots, tracing back through several private institutions before the pivotal intervention of the Ball brothers in 1917. Their generous donation of the Indiana Normal Institute and surrounding land to the state paved the way for the official establishment of the Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division in 1918. What started as a vision for teacher education steadily evolved, transforming through Ball Teachers College and Ball State Teachers College, to eventually become Ball State University in 1965, reflecting its expanded mission and comprehensive academic offerings.

Today, Ball State is a dynamic hub for learning, comprising ten academic colleges that collectively offer an impressive array of programs. Students can choose from approximately 120 undergraduate majors, explore over 130 minor areas of study, and pursue more than 100 master's, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees. With a diverse student body of over 20,400, including nearly 14,900 undergraduates, the university provides a supportive and engaging environment. Beyond academics, the Ball State Cardinals passionately compete in NCAA Division I FBS as a proud member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), adding to a spirited campus experience. With additional off-campus centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Fishers, Ball State extends its educational reach across Indiana, preparing students to lead and innovate in their chosen fields.

Key Highlights

  • Designated an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
  • Educates approximately 20,440 students (Fall 2023), including nearly 14,900 undergraduates and over 5,500 graduate students.
  • Offers a vast selection of approximately 120 undergraduate majors, 130 minor areas, and over 100 master's, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees.
  • Boasts a substantial endowment of $411 million as of 2024, supporting academic and research initiatives.
  • Home to the Ball State Cardinals, who compete in NCAA Division I FBS athletics as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
  • Established in 1918, founded through the significant philanthropic efforts of the Ball brothers.
  • Operates a 1,140-acre campus in Muncie, Indiana, complemented by off-campus centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Fishers.

Timeline

1899
Eastern Indiana Normal School, a predecessor institution, opens on the current university site.
1917
The Ball brothers acquire the foreclosed Indiana Normal Institute.
1918
The Indiana General Assembly accepts the Ball brothers' donation, officially establishing the Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division.
1922
The institution is renamed Ball Teachers College.
1929
The institution is renamed Ball State Teachers College.
1961
The institution is renamed Ball State College.
1965
The institution is officially renamed Ball State University, reflecting its expanded scope.
2023
University enrollment reaches 20,440 students.
🏛️
108 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Geoffrey Mearns
President
Anand Marri
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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