BSU vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than BSU based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 21,089 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

BSU vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or ASU? 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 ASU ($13,599 vs. $14,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 4.1% lower than at Appalachian State University ($12,334 vs. $12,868).
• Ball State University is 46.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $3,503 more per year; $11,082.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at BSU than at Appalachian State University (about $4,418 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ball State University than at Appalachian State University (77% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ball State University students is 64.9% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($13,218 vs. $8,014).

BSU vs. ASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU or ASU? 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 ASU and BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 30 points higher than at BSU (1170).
• Incoming ASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at BSU (3.52).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than BSU (85.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 18.2% at ASU.

BSU vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and ASU? 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.