Ball State University admissions are quite competitive. It seeks students with ability, motivation, and intellectual curiosity. It assesses the rigor of the academic curriculum, curricular patterns, and if the grade trends in academic courses were positive and consistent.

It had an acceptance rate of 62% in the fall 2018 admissions. Ball State University is a test-optional institution for most of the undergraduate applicants.SAT or ACT scores are thus optional.

The university offers 120 undergraduate majors, 130 minors, and 100 graduate programs. It accepts admission applications for undergraduate programs on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of March 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Fulfilling the minimum GPA requirement or standardized test scores does not guarantee admission to Ball State. It seeks students with above-average grades.

  • If students opt for submitting test scores, these must be sent directly to the university. Students may upload unofficial transcripts but are required to submit official transcripts later.
  • The class profile of the admitted student is -
  • The minimum scores required for graduate admissions which vary with programs are:
    • GPA: 2.75 - 3.0
    • GMAT: 450 (Verbal - 20, Quantitative - 20)
    • GRE: 149

COVID-19 Updates

Due to the ongoing COVID 19 situation -

  • International admissions staff are fully operational and are remotely working.
  • Due to coronavirus, the university is temporarily accepting credential evaluation from any NACES member company. It must contain the following information
    • US equivalency of study
    • Us equivalent overall credits
    • Accreditation status of institutions
    • Course-by-course evaluation
  • If any student is unable to begin the semester he/she intended to start, he/she has the option to defer to a future term.

Highlights

Application Portal Online
Application fee UG- Nil, Graduate - 60 USD
Payment method Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover
Average SAT score 1160
Average ACT Score 23
Minimum GMAT Score 450
Minimum GPA (Graduate) 2.75 - 3.0
Intake Season Fall, Spring, Summer
Financial Aid Available

Ball State University Acceptance Rate

The Ball State University is fairly selective with its applicants having an acceptance rate of 64.8%.

Candidates interested at applying Ball State University are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.5-above along with good standardized test scores and an overall striking persona to get selected at this university.

Ball State University Application Deadlines

It accepts admission applications for undergraduate programs on a rolling basis for both domestic and international students. Though the admission deadlines for graduate programs differ with courses, international applicants are expected to submit graduate admission applications by the given deadlines -

Undergraduate Admissions (Priority Deadlines)
Spring Enrollment December 1
Fall Enrollment March 1
Summer Enrollment April 1
Honors College Application November 15
Housing June 1
Graduate Admissions
Fall June 15
Spring November 15
Summer March 15

Ball State University International Student Admissions

It attracts a lot of international students to pursue their higher education in the USA. Admission to Ball State is competitive. It reviews academic performance, level of course work, and English proficiency test scores. Students have the choice to submit the ACT/SAT scores.

Application Portal: BSU Admissions

Application Fee: UG- Nil, Graduate - 60 USD

Application Requirements :

  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts
    • High school/equivalent
    • Bachelors/Masters Degree ( Graduate)
  • SAT or ACT Scores are Optional.
  • GMAT /GRE Scores
    • Required by some graduate programs.
    • Minimum GMAT Score (MBA) - 450
    • Minimum GRE Score - 149
  • Financial documents including personal funding, private scholarship, Ball State Sponsorship, etc.
  • Copy of passport
  • Essay and/or SOP for US
  • Letters of recommendation to study in US (Graduate, Vary with programs)
  • Resume (Graduate)
  • Departments may have additional requirements such as Design Portfolio or Performance Audition.

Note -

Applicants must choose one of the following credential evaluation agencies to get their transcripts and degrees evaluated if not in English -

  • Educational Credential Evaluators
  • World Education Services

English Proficiency Test Scores for International Students

The minimum requirement of various English proficiency tests are given in the following table. Aspiring applicants need to have at least one of the following minimum scores.

Exam Minimum required score
TOEFL (Internet-based) 79
IELTS 6.5
Pearson's PTE 53

Undergraduate applications can also submit ACT or SAT scores. The minimum required score in SAT Critical Reading Section or SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing is 500 and for ACT English section is 21.

Applicants who are not able to achieve the minimum required score in one of the above mentioned English proficiency tests but fulfill all the other requirements may be granted conditional admission.

These students are then admitted to the Intensive English Institute program at Ball State and must achieve English proficiency requirements before being offered full admission. Condition admission is available for some programs only.

IEI Academic Bridge Program is for those international students who have English proficiency scores slightly lower than the minimum required score. Requirement to qualify for IEI Academic Bridge program is mentioned below -

Test Minimum required score
TOEFL 75-78
IELTS 6.0
Pearson PTE 51-52

Visa for International Students

International students once admitted, need to obtain an F1 visa to study in the USA. The university will issue an I-20 form which is required for visa application. The deadline for the university office to issue an I-20 document is 5 weeks before the start date of the semester.

  • The applicant needs to pay the SEVIS fee.
  • After the submission of the completed I-20 form and payment of the SEVIS fee, students can schedule an interview.
  • Applicants must provide the following documents for visa application:
    • Signed I-20 form
    • Passport
    • Acceptance letter
    • Financial support document
    • SEVIS Form I-901 receipt.

Ball State University Undergraduate Admissions

Ball State University serves around 120 undergraduate programs for applicants to choose from including the architecture, business, communications, fine arts, sciences, humanities, psychology, hospitality and food management to name a few.

Candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.5 along with good academic profile meeting the general requirements can get admission in Ball State University.

Application portal: Ball State University Online Portal.

Application Fee: 60$ (non-refundable).

Admission Requirements: The applicants are required to submit the following to be eligible for Ball State University admissions-

  • Official High School transcripts
  • SAT/ACT is optional
  • The applicant must have completed the following courses-
    • 4 years of English
    • 3 years of Mathematics
    • 3 years of Social Studies
    • 3 years of Science
    • Foreign language study is optional but highly recommended
  • The class profile of the admitted student is -
    • SAT Score: 1160
    • ACT Score: 23
    • Average GPA: 3.5

Ball State University Graduate Admissions

It offers graduate programs in more than 100 fields of study. The admission requirements and deadlines vary with the programs. The following section gives the details about the admission process and admission requirements for the graduate admissions at Ball State University-

Application portal: Online

Application fee: 60 USD

Admission Requirements: The common admission requirements for graduate programs are given below -

  • Transcripts
  • For Master's degree program and Graduate certificate programs applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Some programs may require GMAT/GRE.
  • For Doctoral degree the applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA and a masters degree with a minimum of 3.2 GPA
  • For Specialist degree programs the applicant must have at least two years of professional experience and a masters degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.

Popular courses at Ball State University

Admission requirements of some of the popular courses are mentioned in the following table-

Courses MBA Masters in Information and Communication Sciences Psychology (MA) Statistics (MA/MS) Visual art (MFA
Admission Deadlines Fall: June 15
Spring: November 15 Summer: March 15
Two weeks before the start of the semester Rolling Fall – July 10
Spring – December 1
March 31 (Rolling)
Minimum GPA 2. 75 2.75 3.0 2.75 2.75
GMAT/GRE GMAT: 450 (Verbal - 20, Quantitative - 20) GRE: 149 Not Required GRE Not Required
Resume Required Not Required Required Not Required Required
Recommendations 3 LORs Not Required 3 LORs 2 LORs 2 LORs
Statement of Purpose Not required Required Required Not Required Letter of professional goals
Additional Requirements (If any) - - - 3 semesters of calculus, a course in linear algebra, at least one semester of probability and statistics Digital portfolio of artwork presenting 10 to 15 examples, supportive material such as Research and publications

Ball State University is a test-optional institute. Not submitting an ACT/SAT score does not count against the applicant.

The university considers both academic performance and extracurricular activities to review applications. The fulfillment of minimum GPA or GMAT/GRE scores does not guarantee admission.

Applicants during application to Ball State University will receive emails to guide them through the application process, be it activation of the portal or submitting the documents. The university will send a confirmation email regarding your acceptance or denial to Ball State.

FAQs

Ques. What is the average GPA of undergraduate admitted students at Ball State University?

Ans. The average GPA of the admitted students is 3.5

Ques. How to apply for conditional admission?

Ans. If the applicant meets all the admission criteria of the program of interest and that program also allows for conditional admission, the applicant needs to complete the online admission application. Submit the English proficiency test scores that do not meet the minimum requirements. He/She will then be automatically considered for conditional admission.

Ques. Who is considered as a full-time graduate student?

Ans. A student who has enrolled for 9 or more credits is considered a full-time graduate student.

Ques. How to check the admission application status for ball State University?

Ans. The applicants need to log into their application portal to check the application status.

Ques. Can I submit the unofficial transcripts to BSU?

Ans. Students may upload unofficial transcripts but are required to submit official transcripts later.

Ques. Do I need SAT/ACT scores to get admission at Ball State University?

Ans. Ball State University has made the SAT/ACT test requirements as optional for international applicants due to current pandemic situation.

Ques. If submitting SAT/ACT test results, how much score are required for either of them to submit at Ball State University?

Ans. SAT/ACT scores of 1160/23 respectively is required to submit at Ball State University.

Ques. Do I need English Proficiency Test Scores while getting admission at Ball State University?

Ans. Yes, English Proficiency Test Scores are mandatory requirements for all international applicants at Ball State University.

Ques. Is it hard to get admission at Ball State University?

Ans. With the acceptance rate of 65%, Ball State University seeks the overall talents and strong academic persona in its applicants besides a good GPA of 3.5 and meeting the general requirements.

Ques. What are the popular majors at Ball State University?

Ans. Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Liberal Arts and Humanities,

Psychology, Nursing, Business, Elementary Education, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies and Marketing are popular major choices among aspirants seeking admission at Ball State University.

Ques. Does Ball State University offer scholarships/grants/awards and as such opportunities to international students?

Ans. Yes, Ball State University does offer scholarships/grants/awards and as such opportunities to international students.

Ques. Can I get waiver on English Proficiency Test scores at Ball State University?

Ans. Ball State University does offer English Proficiency Test score waiver to eligible candidates during conditional admission.