Anderson University vs. BSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Ball State University in Muncie, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Ball State University is in Muncie, IN (Small City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Ball State University 14:1.

Anderson University vs. BSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or BSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ball State University than Anderson University ($13,599 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 3.6% lower than at Anderson University ($12,334 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 236% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $26,158 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at Anderson University than at Ball State University (about $7,610 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 96.3% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($25,946 vs. $13,218).

Anderson University vs. BSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or BSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between BSU and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 140 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming BSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Ball State University 1080/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Ball State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; BSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 20.4% at BSU.

Anderson University vs. BSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and BSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.