BSU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

BSU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron ($13,599 vs. $14,693).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 3.5% lower than at Ball State University ($11,904 vs. $12,334).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 18.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $2,053 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.3% higher at BSU than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $8,815 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Ball State University (95% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ball State University students is 14.4% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($13,218 vs. $11,551).

BSU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

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

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 120 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming BSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

BSU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.