BSU vs. Butler

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Butler University is in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Butler University 11:1.

BSU vs. Butler Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Butler? 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 Butler ($13,599 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 24.9% lower than at Butler University ($12,334 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 329.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $36,478 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.5% higher at Butler than at Ball State University (about $17,930 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at Ball State University (97% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 110.2% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($27,790 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Butler Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 90 points higher than at BSU (1170).
• Incoming Butler students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Butler University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Butler University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Butler - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Butler (85.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 12.9% at Butler.

BSU vs. Butler Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Butler? 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $25,900 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.