BSU vs. Lindenwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than Lindenwood University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 6,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BSU vs. Lindenwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University ($13,599 vs. $20,901).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lindenwood University are 5.1% lower than at Ball State University ($11,700 vs. $12,334).
• Lindenwood University is 94.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $10,518 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at BSU than at Lindenwood University (about $8,030 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $21,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lindenwood University than at Ball State University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lindenwood University students is 10.7% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($14,626 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Lindenwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 40 points higher than at Lindenwood University (1130).
• Incoming Lindenwood 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; Lindenwood University 1023/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Lindenwood University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Lindenwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Lindenwood University (3.42).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 14.1% at Lindenwood University.

BSU vs. Lindenwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Lindenwood 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from Lindenwood University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 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 Lindenwood University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lindenwood University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.