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Ball State University

Muncie, IN

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
13,770
Total Students
$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

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

About Ball State University

Ball State: Indiana's vibrant public research university empowering student success.

Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, stands as a dynamic public research institution, proudly classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity." With a commitment to innovation and student growth, Ball State embodies its inspiring motto, "We Fly," fostering an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities.

The university's rich history began in 1918, though its roots trace back to predecessor schools from 1899. Ball State was officially established as the Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division following a pivotal donation from the industrialist Ball brothers. Over the decades, it evolved through several names—Ball Teachers College, Ball State Teachers College, and Ball State College—before achieving university status in 1965, continually expanding its mission and educational offerings.

Academically, Ball State is a powerhouse, composed of ten diverse academic colleges. It offers an impressive array of programs, including approximately 120 undergraduate majors, 130 minor areas of study, and more than 100 masters, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees. This wide range ensures that students can pursue their passions and gain specialized knowledge across various fields, preparing them for successful careers and advanced studies.

Life at Ball State is vibrant, with a student body of over 20,400, including nearly 15,000 undergraduates, creating a bustling campus atmosphere. Beyond its Muncie campus, the university extends its reach with off-campus centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Fishers, Indiana. The spirited Ball State Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), bringing excitement and pride to the entire university community.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
  • Established in 1918, founded through the significant philanthropy of the Ball brothers.
  • Enrollment of 20,440 students as of fall 2023, including 14,874 undergraduates and 5,566 postgraduates.
  • Offers approximately 120 undergraduate majors, 130 minor areas, and over 100 masters, doctoral, and certificate programs across ten academic colleges.
  • Boasts an endowment of $411 million as of 2024.
  • Home to the Ball State Cardinals, competing in NCAA Division I FBS – MAC sports.
  • Features off-campus centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Fishers, Indiana.

Timeline

1899
Predecessor Eastern Indiana Normal School opens at the university's future location.
1912
Predecessor Indiana Normal Institute opens.
1917
The Ball brothers acquire the foreclosed Indiana Normal Institute property.
1918
Officially established as Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division after the Ball brothers' donation is accepted by the state.
1922
Renamed Ball Teachers College.
1929
Renamed Ball State Teachers College.
1961
Renamed Ball State College.
1965
Achieves university status, officially becoming Ball State University.

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