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Ball State University and Indiana University-South Bend are both public institutions — Ball State University in Muncie, IN and Indiana University-South Bend in South Bend, IN. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Muncie, IN · Public
Acceptance rate: 85.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 13,988
Tuition: $29,630/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 62.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Communication
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Muncie, IN with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
South Bend, IN · Public
Acceptance rate: 83.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,933
Tuition: $22,811/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 40.1%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in South Bend, IN with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Ball State University | Indiana University-South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 85.5% | 83.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1080–1260 |
| 950–1190 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 20–24 | 21–23 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,988 | 3,933 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,630/year | $22,811/year |
| Average net price after aid | $14,940 | $8,653 |
| Graduation rate | 62.3% | 40.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $51,833 | $44,947 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 14.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Muncie, IN | South Bend, IN |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Communication | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (85.5% vs 83.8%). Indiana University-South Bend has a lower average net price after grant aid ($8,653 vs $14,940). Ball State University reports the higher graduation rate (62.3% vs 40.1%). Ball State University is the larger undergraduate campus (13,988 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Ball State University and Indiana University-South Bend
Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 85.5%; Indiana University-South Bend is around 83.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Ball State University tuition is $29,630/year. Indiana University-South Bend is $22,811/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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