🎓 Ball State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~72% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040–1240
- Average HS GPA: 3.6
Source: Ball State Common Data Set 2024–25 and Undergraduate Admissions.
Ball State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 7, 2025
Ball State University offers a practical mix of merit and need-based aid that can make it an affordable option—especially for strong in-state students or those from neighboring Midwest states. Automatic scholarships are transparent, and competitive awards like the Whitinger can cover full tuition plus extras.
Families appreciate Ball State’s clear merit charts and early deadlines, making it easier to plan ahead. Combined with the Indiana state aid programs, the right student can significantly lower their total cost.
FAQ
Does Ball State offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — the Ball State Scholars Awards are automatic based on GPA/test score.
Can out-of-state students get a tuition discount? Yes — students from MSEP states qualify for reduced out-of-state tuition.
What’s the average net price? Around $14,109 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
What’s the top award? The Whitinger Scholarship covers full tuition plus a stipend for exceptional scholars.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Ball State University (2025–2026)
Ball State University’s estimated annual cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and standard on-campus housing and meal plans. These numbers represent the published 2025–2026 costs before scholarships, grants, or reciprocity discounts are applied.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $9,400 | $28,800 |
| Housing & Meals (On-Campus) | $11,500 | $11,500 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $20,900 | $40,300 |
Note: Figures are based on a typical full-time student taking 15 credit hours per semester. Additional indirect costs such as books, transportation, and personal expenses may add $3,000–$5,000 per year.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, Ball State’s average net price—what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—was approximately $12,600 per year. This figure reflects aid packages received by most first-time, full-time undergraduates living on campus.
Ball State University participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), which provides eligible students from participating Midwest states with a significant tuition discount. MSEP typically caps tuition at 150% of the in-state rate—far below the standard out-of-state price.
- Who qualifies? Residents of approved MSEP states.
- Typical savings: $8,000–$10,000 per year.
- Application: Automatically applied when residency and eligibility are confirmed—no separate MSEP form required.
❓ Cost & Reciprocity FAQs
Is Ball State affordable compared to other Indiana universities?
Yes. Ball State’s in-state tuition is competitive with other public universities in Indiana, and the average net price of about $12,600 makes it one of the more affordable mid-sized research universities in the Midwest.
Do out-of-state students always pay full price?
No. Students from eligible Midwest states can take advantage of the Midwest Student Exchange Program,
which reduces tuition by $8,000–$10,000 per year.
Does Ball State offer tuition waivers or automatic scholarships?
Yes. Along with MSEP, Ball State awards automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores,
further reducing the total cost for qualified students.
Automatic Merit Scholarships
Ball State automatically considers incoming freshmen for merit scholarships based on high school GPA and (if submitted) test scores. No separate application is required if you apply by the priority deadline.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State Scholars Award | $4,000/year | ~3.50–3.74 GPA; test-optional or ACT 21–23 / SAT 1060–1130 (superscore accepted) | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Students with a weighted GPA in the mid-3s; scores help but aren’t required. | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Presidential Scholarship | $5,500–$16,000/year | ~3.75+ GPA; test-optional or ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+ (superscore accepted) | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Top academic applicants; GPA 3.8+ weighted or strong scores tend to land higher tiers. | Dec 1 (priority) |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are approximate when not explicitly stated on the university website. They’re based on official award descriptions, past recipient data, and published student profile stats, and may shift with each year’s applicant pool and funding.
Presidential range explained: The lower end ($5,500–$8,000) typically goes to students meeting the minimum cutoff. The upper end ($14,000–$16,000) is reserved for top admits with a weighted GPA near 4.0 and ACT 30+ / SAT 1360+ (superscore accepted). Mid-range awards go to students in between.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do I need a separate application?
No. Apply for admission by the priority deadline and you’ll be automatically reviewed for the awards above.
Is Ball State test-optional for scholarships?
Yes. Submitting strong ACT/SAT scores can boost you into a higher tier, but it isn’t required. Superscoring is used if you do submit scores.
Is the “Presidential” scholarship competitive here?
No — at Ball State, “Presidential” is part of the automatic merit program (not a separate competitive, essay-based award).
Can I combine these with MSEP?
Typically yes. Many out-of-state students reduce costs by stacking automatic merit with the MSEP tuition discount (subject to Ball State stacking rules).
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Priority deadline: November 1 for most top scholarships. View official Ball State scholarship details & deadlines.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Room & Board Scholarship | Full housing + meals | ~3.85+ GPA; ACT 28+ / SAT 1310+; strong leadership and essays required | Yes | Yes (4 years) | Select group of Honors-level admits with excellent recommendations and compelling “Why Ball State” essays | Nov 1 |
| National Merit Package | Significant merit aid; may include Honors invitation | National Merit Finalist; Ball State listed as first-choice institution | No (via NMSC) | Yes | Finalists who complete all NMSC steps on time and select Ball State as first choice | March 1 (NMSC) |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Are test scores required for these?
Yes. Competitive scholarships require ACT or SAT scores. Ball State superscores, so submit all sittings to maximize eligibility.
How competitive are these awards?
Extremely. These are small-cohort awards for top-tier students. Meeting GPA and test minimums only gets applicants into the pool — essays, interviews, and demonstrated leadership are decisive factors.
Typical winner profile:
GPA 3.9–4.0; ACT 30–33 (superscored) / SAT 1360–1450; multiple AP/IB/dual credit classes; leadership in 1–2 major activities; and meaningful service or research.
How can students improve their odds?
Apply by November 1. Write specific, story-driven essays showing measurable impact, not just titles. Choose recommenders who can attest to initiative and character. Prepare for interviews with authentic, confident answers.
Can students apply for multiple competitive scholarships?
Yes. Applying for one does not disqualify you from others, but deadlines differ. Track each separately and submit all required materials on time.
Disclaimer: GPA and test ranges are estimates based on past recipients. Ball State may update criteria annually.
Honors College at Ball State University
The Honors College at Ball State University offers a small, discussion-based academic community within a large public university. It’s focused on mentorship, research, and access to exclusive scholarships—not extra busywork. Students benefit from priority registration, seminar-style classes, faculty support, and the chance to compete for major awards like the Whitinger Scholarship.
Admission is selective. While a few students receive automatic invitations based on GPA or test scores, most must complete a separate application that includes essays and an activity résumé. The review is holistic—academic strength, leadership, service, and curiosity all matter.
- Priority registration each semester
- Small seminar-style Honors courses
- Faculty mentoring and undergraduate research opportunities
- Dedicated advising for internships and graduate school
- Eligibility for Honors-exclusive scholarships and fellowships
Honors Scholarships and Awards
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitinger Scholarship | Full tuition + fees + housing + meals + stipend | Honors College admit; ~3.85+ GPA; ACT 29+ / SAT 1340+; essays & interview | Yes | Yes — up to 8 semesters | ~15 students annually with exceptional leadership, essays, and interviews | Nov 1 (priority) |
| Anderson Scholarship | ~50% of in-state tuition | New Honors students majoring in History or Teaching (U.S. History focus) | Yes | Yes — maintain GPA | Students in History/Teaching programs with strong essays and leadership | Dec 1 |
| Fields / Gilpin / Harding Scholarships | $1,000–$3,000 per year | Honors College students demonstrating financial need | Yes | Varies | First-gen or need-based Honors students who apply early through portal | Feb 1 |
| Joe & Carol Trimmer Thesis Awards | $1,000 (2 awards) | Graduating Honors seniors with outstanding thesis or creative project | Yes | No | One research thesis winner and one creative project winner each year | Mar 1 |
| Honors Undergraduate Fellowships | Paid fellowship (varies) | Honors student with faculty-mentored research project | Yes | No | Students who connect early with mentors and propose strong research | Rolling |
Ball State Honors College FAQs
Is the Honors College invitation-only?
Partially. Some top applicants are invited automatically, but most apply separately through essays and activity lists. Leadership, writing, and curiosity often carry as much weight as GPA.
Will my student have more work?
No — just different. Honors courses replace gen-eds and focus on discussion, creativity, and projects rather than additional homework.
What does a typical Honors student look like?
GPA around 3.9–4.0, ACT 29–33 / SAT 1340–1450 (superscore), multiple AP/IB or dual-credit courses, and strong community or leadership involvement.
Are all Honors students eligible for big scholarships?
Only a few are chosen for the Whitinger or Anderson awards. However, all Honors students have access to smaller internal scholarships and research funding.
Can Honors awards stack with other scholarships?
Often yes — the Whitinger can stack with some automatic aid, though it replaces others like the full Presidential Scholarship. Always confirm with Financial Aid.
⭐ Specialty Programs at Ball State University
Ball State is an R2 doctoral university (high research activity) that also carries the prestigious “Opportunity College & University” Carnegie designation—recognizing both its research strengths and exceptional student outcomes.
- Online Education & Specialty Fields: U.S. News ranks their online Master’s in Curriculum & Educational Technology (~7th), Special Education (~11th), Educational Admin & Supervision (~13th), among others in top-25.
- Architecture & Planning: Ball State offers the only PAB-accredited Master of Urban & Regional Planning and MLA programs in Indiana. Its architecture program has ranked among the nation’s top 15 (Almanac 2003); landscape architecture placed 5th (grad) and 8th (undergrad) nationally (DesignIntelligence).
- Communication & Media: The College of Communication, Information, and Media is among the ten largest in the U.S. Students have earned multiple regional Emmys and Student Academy Awards.
- Educator Preparation: The Teachers College is in the top 25 nationally for number of educator preparation programs offered online, with ABA-verified Applied Behavior Analysis programs.