BSU vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BSU vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Carroll University? 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 Carroll University ($13,599 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 13.6% lower than at Carroll University ($12,334 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 250.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $27,808 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at Carroll University than at Ball State University (about $9,260 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 93.9% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($25,634 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming Carroll University 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; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

BSU vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Carroll University? 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).

• Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Carroll University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 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 Carroll University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Carroll University 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.