History
A small, private teacher training school opened 1899. After the community’s efforts to sustain the college failed, the Ball brothers purchased the land and buildings of the defunct institution and donated them to the State of Indiana. This gift became the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division, which opened in 1918 to meet Indiana’s need for more and better teachers.
Education
Our seven academic colleges provide innovative programs that will give you access to professional experiences and advanced technology from day one, and your degree will be valued by employers.
Career
It’s true—there’s nothing easy about success. But if we had to get specific, we’d say so much of it boils down to getting empowered with the right connections and experiences. When you interact with us, you’ll meet career coaches and engage with services and tools that have all been created for one reason—to help you define your personal brand long before it’s time to compete for that dream job.
University Ranking
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
1259 -324
2023
935 -27
2022
908
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
Residence halls:
- DeHority Complex
- Elliott Hall
- Botsford/Swinford Hall
- Schmidt/Wilson Hall
- Kinghorn Hall
- LaFollette Complex
- Howick/Williams Hall
- Baker/Klipple Hall
- Park Hall
- Palmer/Davidson Hall
- Painter/Whitcraft Hall
- North Residence Hall
- Residence Hall 2
- Studebaker East
- Woodworth Complex
Library services
Ball State University Libraries supports the university’s mission and enduring values by creating transformative experiences for diverse communities of learners through excellent resources, expert research assistance, dedicated study and learning spaces, and innovative services and technologies for knowledge discovery and dissemination, lifetime learning, and community engagement.
ICT services
Unified Communications provides network access to Internet resources and campus academic systems such as Canvas. VPN access is also available for individuals who need remote, secure access to campus resources.
Medical services
The Ball State University Student Health Center, located in the Amelia T. Wood building, provides ambulatory health care for currently enrolled sick and injured students in addition to providing care for on-the-job injuries for Ball State University employees. The center is comprised of a Main clinic and pharmacy, Women’s Center and Health Education and a physical therapy unit on the lower level.
Campus life
Place matters, and that is particularly true on our beautiful campus—our size, our people, our culture, our technology and our amenities. Our perfect size is one of the most common reasons students choose us. Indeed, we are small enough to be a community but big enough to change the world.
With a population of about 70,000 people, Muncie is home to cultural and recreational amenities such as the Minnetrista, Cardinal Greenways, and Muncie Civic Theatre, plus many opportunities on campus. The city ranks as the most affordable place to live in the U.S., according to Realtor.com, and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has twice recognized Muncie as the Community of the Year.
Sports facilities
Cheer on our Cardinals in your favorite sport as they compete at the NCAA's top level. Ball State teams know how to win, and our athletes succeed both on the court and in the classroom. Or if you crave some competition yourself or just want to stay fit, our recreation programs will put you in the game and on the track to personal achievement. The recreation center, climbing wall, pools, and outdoor tennis courts are just a few of the great places you have access to around campus.
Student clubs
Find your unique place and voice at Ball State through hundreds of student organizations on campus.
- Black Student Association
- Excellence in Leadership (EIL)
- Late Nite @ Ball State
- Latinx Student Union (LSU)
- Multicultural Center
Ball State’s continuing institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission was reaffirmed on January 14, 2014, following a two-year self-study process. The university is now accredited through 2023–24.