Ball State University

Ball State offers both online and on-campus programs. Regardless of where students choose to study, they'll receive the same degree, coursework, and instructors as on-campus students — without an asterisk that says it was earned online. According to BSU's 2022 online student survey, more than 70% of students were satisfied with their instructors and the amount of coursework they received.

Ball State, like many schools that offer online programs, make it a point to assure students that they'll receive the exact same education as more traditional, in-person students. This is because in the modern-era of postsecondary education, online degrees are as respected as on-campus degrees as long as students choose a quality, accredited school. 

Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Ball State University is known for its studies in the field of communication. One of the school's most important alums is the accomplished late-night talk show host David Letterman. Given his decades of success on national television, BSU has built the David Letterman Communication and Media Building, where students can study media, journalism, and information. Online students can also partake in related studies through the graduate certificate in Emerging Media Design and Development and the bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Technology.

Additionally, BSU is known for its large selection of teacher's licenses, which it offers to online students. Previously licensed educators are eligible to expand their career options by participating in one of Ball State's 15 online teacher's programs, such as the Director of Curriculum and Principal's License (Building Level Administrator).

The highest earning degrees from Ball State come from programs that cover management sciences and quantitative methods. According to federal data from College Scorecard, students who study in this area earn a salary of $77,057 three years after graduation. The most relevant degree program is BSU's Business Analytics major, which students can take in the form of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. In this program, students learn about statistical methods in business data as well as a variety of technical and analytical skills.  

Other high earning degree areas at BSU are computer and information sciences as well as information systems — both of which are expected to earn graduates more than $60,000 annually three years after they graduate. 

The best factor in determining whether a school is easy to get into or not is its acceptance rate. This allows students to see how many applicants a school accepts in comparison to how many applications they receive. 

BSU has an 87% acceptance rate, which means it accepts the vast majority of applicants. In general, the average public university usually has around a 60% acceptance rate. Furthermore, Ball State is a test-optional school, meaning it does not explicitly require the submission of college entrance exam scores. This may make it easier for high school students who haven't taken these tests to apply for a program at BSU. 

It can be stressful to apply for college, especially as a student straight out of high school. Fortunately, BSU provides step-by-step instructions for each type of student, whether they're first-time college applicants or have previous college experience. The list below outlines the steps needed for students applying to college for the first time:

• Fill out an online application through the BSU site by creating an account.
• Submit a high school transcript, either electronically or through mail, to BSU's Office of Admissions.
• Submit ACT or SAT test scores (optional).
• The final section offers the chance for students to include a one-page personal statement, resume, or recommendation (optional).

Ball State may require the submission of a personal essay, along with other items like performance auditions or design portfolios, depending on the major. Graduate-level programs require a $60 application fee. However, the school provides fee waiver forms for students that meet certain criteria.