IU-Kokomo vs Ball State

Indiana University-Kokomo and Ball State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Indiana, offer distinct educational experiences. Indiana University-Kokomo, a regional campus of Indiana University, boasts a smaller student body and a more intimate learning environment, while Ball State University, a public research university, offers a wider range of academic programs and a larger, more diverse student population. With varying acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to different student needs and aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Ball State University	Indiana University-Kokomo
Overview
Location	Muncie, Indiana	Kokomo, Indiana
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	73.0%	60.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	68.2%	90.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $40
SAT range	1010 - 1210	1000 - 1180
ACT range	20 - 27	21 - 24
Students submitting SAT score	42.0%	36.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	22,947	2,052
Total number of admissions given out	15,642	1,854
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,278	587
Yield rate	21.0%	31.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $25,254 Out of state: $42,488	In state: $21,979 Out of state: $35,086
Average net price	$12,968	$4,446
Tuition	In state: $9,628 Out of state: $26,862	In state: $7,170 Out of state: $20,277
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,862 Meal plan: $6,282
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	86.0% Average amount $11,442	71.0% Average amount $7,852
Students receiving federal student loan	88.0% Average amount $5,451	28.0% Average amount $4,341
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $13,381	2.0% Average amount $6,334

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,898 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%	2,817 Men 35.9% Women 64.1%
Graduate students	5,421 Men 23.0% Women 77.0%	178 Men 33.1% Women 66.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	9.4%	2.1%
International students	1.4%	1.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	7,531	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois Ohio Michigan Florida	Indiana Ohio Illinois California Arkansas

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Liberal Arts Psychology	Health Professions Business Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Education
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	68.0%	42.7%
Dropout rate	11.4%	30.6%
Transferred out	20.1%	25.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,451 Year 2: $92,124 Year 3: $94,146 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,551 Year 2: $75,989 Year 3: $81,236 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,545 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $77,057 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,885 Year 2: $65,610 Year 3: $75,003 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,368 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $65,967 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,067 Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $64,046 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,195 Year 2: $54,296 Year 3: $63,441 Business/Commerce, General (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $57,995 Year 3: $62,410 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,157 Year 2: $56,776 Year 3: $60,714 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,299 Year 2: $52,357 Year 3: $59,898	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $72,716 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,677 Year 2: $58,303 Year 3: $59,979 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,732 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $54,550 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,539 Year 2: $34,704 Year 3: $42,593 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,205 Year 2: $36,992 Year 3: $41,170 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,700 Year 2: $31,935 Year 3: $35,466 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,690 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $35,457 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,803 Year 2: $31,762 Year 3: $35,339 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,369 Year 2: $34,978 Year 3: $34,702 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,767 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $33,215

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Indiana University Kokomo and Ball State University?

Indiana University Kokomo (IU Kokomo) is a smaller, regional campus focused on providing accessible education to students in north central Indiana. Ball State University (BSU) is a larger, comprehensive university with a broader range of programs and a more residential campus experience. IU Kokomo emphasizes personalized attention and affordability, while Ball State offers more extensive research opportunities and a wider array of extracurricular activities.
Which university is larger, Indiana University Kokomo or Ball State University?

Ball State University is significantly larger than Indiana University Kokomo. Ball State has a much larger student body and a more expansive campus.
What types of academic programs are offered at each university?

IU Kokomo offers a focused selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing, business, education, and health sciences. Ball State University offers a much wider range of programs across various disciplines, including architecture, fine arts, communications, sciences, and humanities, in addition to professional programs.
How do the tuition costs compare between IU Kokomo and Ball State University?

Generally, IU Kokomo has lower tuition costs compared to Ball State University, especially for in-state students. IU Kokomo is designed to be an affordable option for students in the region. However, tuition rates can vary depending on the specific program and residency status, so it's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
What is the campus environment like at IU Kokomo versus Ball State University?

IU Kokomo offers a close-knit, community-focused environment due to its smaller size. It's ideal for students who prefer a more personalized learning experience. Ball State University has a more vibrant and diverse campus environment with a wider range of student organizations, events, and activities. It offers a more traditional, comprehensive university experience.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

IU Kokomo offers a range of student clubs, organizations, and activities, though on a smaller scale than Ball State. Ball State University boasts a much larger and more diverse selection of student organizations, clubs, sports teams, and campus events, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and connect with others.
Which university is better for research opportunities?

Ball State University generally offers more extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students due to its larger size and broader range of academic programs. While IU Kokomo offers research opportunities, they are typically more limited in scope.
How does the faculty-to-student ratio compare between the two universities?

IU Kokomo typically has a lower faculty-to-student ratio, which can lead to more personalized attention from professors. Ball State University, while having excellent faculty, may have larger class sizes due to its larger student population.
What are the career services like at IU Kokomo and Ball State University?

Both universities offer career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career planning. Ball State University, with its larger alumni network and broader industry connections, may offer a wider range of career resources and opportunities. IU Kokomo provides personalized career guidance tailored to the local job market.
Which university is located in a more urban setting?

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, which is a larger city than Kokomo. While neither is a major metropolitan area, Muncie offers more urban amenities and a wider range of off-campus activities compared to Kokomo.
Does either university have a strong focus on a particular academic area?

Ball State University is known for its strong programs in architecture, education, and communications. IU Kokomo has a strong reputation for its nursing and health sciences programs, catering to the healthcare needs of the region.
What are the admission requirements for IU Kokomo and Ball State University?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and student status (e.g., freshman, transfer). Generally, Ball State University has slightly more competitive admission requirements than IU Kokomo. It's best to check the official admissions websites of both universities for specific requirements and deadlines.
Are there on-campus housing options available at both universities?

Ball State University offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments, contributing to a more traditional residential college experience. IU Kokomo has limited on-campus housing; most students commute or live off-campus.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best university for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a smaller, more affordable university with personalized attention and a focus on specific programs like nursing or business, IU Kokomo might be a good fit. If you're seeking a larger university with a wider range of programs, more extensive research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life, Ball State University could be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses and talking to current students to get a better feel for each university.

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