BSU vs. Milligan

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than Milligan based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 1,240 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

BSU vs. Milligan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Milligan? 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 Milligan ($13,599 vs. $21,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milligan University are 27.8% lower than at Ball State University ($8,900 vs. $12,334).
• Milligan University is 265% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $29,368 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.5% higher at Milligan than at Ball State University (about $10,820 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milligan University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milligan University students is 136.2% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($31,220 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Milligan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milligan University (1200) is 30 points higher than at BSU (1170).
• Incoming Milligan 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; Milligan University 1133/1268.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Milligan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Milligan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Milligan Aug 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Milligan students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Milligan (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 27.6% at Milligan.

BSU vs. Milligan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Milligan? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Milligan graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milligan graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Milligan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.