Principia College vs. BSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Ball State University in Muncie, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Ball State University is in Muncie, IN (Small City setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Ball State University 14:1.

Principia College vs. BSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or BSU? 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 Principia College ($13,599 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 11.3% lower than at Principia College ($12,334 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 212.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $23,598 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at Principia College than at Ball State University (about $5,050 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Principia College than at Ball State University (90% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 130% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($30,402 vs. $13,218).

Principia College vs. BSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Principia College (1150).
• Incoming BSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Ball State University 1080/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Ball State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; BSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. BSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and BSU? 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).

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.