Muncie, IN · Public

Ball State University Cost, Tuition and Student Budget 2026

Ball State University cost profile summarizes tuition, total annual cost, average net price, student debt, median earnings, graduation outcomes, and value signals for 2026 budget-focused university comparison.

Budget Snapshot Moderate value signal Value Score:
Total Cost$26,146
Net Price$14,940
Median Earnings$51,833
Graduation Rate62.3%
Median Debt$16,904
Admission Rate85.5%
Student Count13,988
SAT Average1,160

Ball State University Student Budget Calculator 2026

Estimate how much money you may still need per year using this university's reported cost data plus your grants, family support, savings, work income, and student loans.

Estimated annual cost $14,940
Money available $0
Still needed per year $14,940
Monthly gap $1,245

Four-year projection: about $59,760 still needed over four years if the same gap repeats.

Loan projection: borrowing $0 per year equals about $0 over four years, compared with reported median debt of $16,904.

This calculator is an estimate. Actual aid, housing, residency status, program fees, family income, and borrowing limits can change the final budget.

University Cost and Earnings View

Money Profile

Median earnings$51,833Total cost$26,146Net price$14,940Median debt$16,904

Value Score Comparison

Ball State University58.2Dataset avg54.3IN avg55.6
Median earnings7% weaker than dataset average
$51,833
Total annual cost40% better than dataset average
$26,146
Average net price30% better than dataset average
$14,940
Graduation rate5.5 percentage points better than dataset average
62.3%
Median debt4% weaker than dataset average
$16,904

How This University Cost Compares

Dataset Average

Value Score: 54.3

Net Price: $21,437

Earnings: $55,928

IN Average

Value Score: 55.6

Net Price: $19,440

Earnings: $55,908

Best Use of This Page

Compare this university against schools with similar location, type, net price, total cost, debt, and earnings. A high value score is useful, but graduation rate and debt should be read together with it.

Student Fit Signals

  • Affordability: Net price is $14,940, compared with reported total cost of $26,146.
  • Outcomes: Median earnings are $51,833 and the graduation rate is 62.3%.
  • Debt pressure: Median debt is $16,904, while the loan share is 42.6%.
  • Access profile: Admission rate is 85.5% and Pell Grant share is 34.7%.
Full University Cost Data Snapshot
School TypePublic
LocationMuncie, IN
Admission Rate85.5%
In-State Tuition$11,082
Out-of-State Tuition$29,630
Total Cost$26,146
Net Price$14,940
Median Earnings$51,833
Graduation Rate62.3%
Median Debt$16,904
Pell Grant Share34.7%
Loan Share42.6%
Average Faculty Salary$8,408
Official WebsiteVisit website

Value Score Methodology

Value Score = earnings 20.7 + graduation 15.6 + net price 10.0 + total cost 6.7 + debt 5.2 = 58.2/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt.

Earnings20.7$51,833 · max 40 pts
Graduation15.662.3% · max 25 pts
Net Price10.0$14,940 · max 15 pts
Total Cost6.7$26,146 · max 10 pts
Debt5.2$16,904 · max 10 pts

The score is a comparison signal on a 0-100 scale. It is not a guarantee of future salary, admission outcome, financial aid, or final student cost.