If you are or will be a graduate of an accredited high school or have earned a GED* (General Educational Diploma), you may apply for admission to Ball State. You may apply online or request a paper application. All applications will be evaluated carefully on an individual basis, taking into account indicators of potential to succeed at Ball State.
Ball State practices rolling admission. This means your application will be reviewed and an admission decision made after all of your credentials are received. Our enrollment is limited; admission to a particular semester may depend on space available and the date of your application.
Admission Criteria
Strength of your high school curriculum (including your senior year)
Successful completion of four years of English; three years of college preparatory mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and geometry); three years of science (two with lab); and three years of social studies. Foreign language study is strongly recommended but not required
Performance as measured by grades in the above courses or by GED scores. Ball State uses an academic GPA on a 4.0 scale based only on college prep and academic course work completed
Curricular patterns or grade trends in your academic courses
Your SAT or ACT scores
Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, performing groups, student government, student publications, civic, and charitable organizations, etc.
Students Age 23 or Older
Ball State is committed to offering access to higher education for qualified adults age 23 or older. (Note: If you have previous college experience, you will be considered a transfer student.)
International Applicants
If you are not a U.S. resident, please see our international admissions area for admission information and guidelines.
Homeschooled Students
Ball State welcomes homeschooled students as applicants for admission. Homeschooled students are evaluated for admission to the university on the same basis as students from public and other private schools.
Transfer Students
We welcome students who would like to transfer from another college or university. Visit our transfer students area for requirements.
GED
*Admissions considers a GED to meet admissions requirements if you have received the following scores:
Standard Average Score of at least 520 (or 52 for tests prior to 2002)
Writing Skills Score of at least 500 (or 50)
Mathematics Score of at least 500 (or 50)
Minimum score of 450 (or 45) in each of the remaining sections.