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Head to head · Indiana

Ball State University vs Indiana University-Bloomington

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $48–75k and below, Indiana University-Bloomington is the cheaper of the two; from $75–110k up, Ball State University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeBall State UniversityIndiana UniversityDifference
Under $30k$7,834$6,324$1,510 · Indiana University
$30–48k$9,848$7,610$2,238 · Indiana University
$48–75k$14,333$12,154$2,179 · Indiana University
$75–110k$19,567$20,204$637 · Ball State University
Over $110k$23,479$25,128$1,649 · Ball State University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Ball State University$82,475
Indiana University-Bloomington$85,160
Difference over four years$2,685

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate86% · 78%
Average SAT1160 · 1313

Listed Ball State University first, then Indiana University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$51,833 · $63,742
Graduate in four years49% · 69%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$23,250 · $19,509

Again Ball State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Ball State University — every income band · Indiana University-Bloomington — every income band · All Indiana public colleges