College Compass Start free →

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
$30–48k$9,848$7,610$2,238
$48–75k$14,333$12,154$2,179
$75–110k$19,567$20,204$637
Over $110k$23,479$25,128$1,649

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.

Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →

Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →

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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. 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