Ball State University, established in 1918 in Muncie, Indiana, is a public research university ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News. BSU offers 190+ undergraduate programs across seven colleges, with particular excellence in architecture, telecommunications, and teacher education. The university's 1,140-acre campus features the David Owsley Museum of Art, the cutting-edge Health Professions Building, and the historic Beneficence statue. Ball State is classified as a 'Doctoral University: High Research Activity' and is renowned for its immersive learning initiatives that connect students with real-world projects.
Ball State's location in east-central Indiana provides a classic college town experience with easy access to Indianapolis. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the MAC conference. The university's Bowen Center for Public Affairs and Center for Business and Economic Research contribute significantly to state policy. Ball State's campus radio station (WCRD) and student media programs provide hands-on experience, while the university's geothermal energy system is one of the largest in the nation.
Ball State University Acceptance Rate
Ball State University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Ball State University is 71.6%. This means that 72 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Ball State University Admission Requirements
BSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at BSU is 3.52. BSU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.22 and 3.52, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
BSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at BSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.52, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.52 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.32 – 3.51 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.12 – 3.31 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.11 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At BSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Ball State University (BSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Ball State University Average SAT Score: 1172
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Ball State University is 1172 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1172 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1250 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Ball State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1080, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to BSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 575 | 530 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 550 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1172 | 1080 | 1250 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at BSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1250 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Ball State University (BSU) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Ball State University (BSU) are good but the admission staff at BSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Ball State University (BSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at BSU is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Ball State University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 25 | 22 | 28 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into Ball State University with a 30 ACT?
With a 30 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Ball State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 28.BSU Profile
Name: Ball State University (BSU)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from BSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Ball State University is USD: 25134. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Ball State University is USD: 15898
How can I get a scholarship?
33.58% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 72.75 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to BSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Ball State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist BSU as your choice in the form.
How much a BSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 51833. An average BSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Ball State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls College, GA | 1155 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Ball State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Nova Southeastern University, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah College of Art and Design, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Hawaii Pacific University, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | The College of Idaho, ID | 1166 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Ball State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Architecture
- Architecture and Related Services
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51833 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25134 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Ball State University is 71.6 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.52. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.22, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.22, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.22 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.12 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Ball State University if my GPA is below 3.12
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.52, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Ball State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1172 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080-1250
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Ball State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.