Ball State University
Muncie, IN, USA

Reviews

Ball State University

Jared from Muncie, IN

accepted here and planning to attend soon
38 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
The staff and employees of the campus are both kind and knowledgeable of their areas. The presentations I have seen from professors during orientation demonstrates how varied they are and creative in their ways of instruction.
Will enjoy being here
The dorms are nice, there are lots of places to dine, and finding events, deals, and things to do are all easy tasks. I plan on enjoying both my time on campus learning as well as being involved with the many organizations that are available.
Bang for the buck
While the university is big-small in that it has large amounts of potential, while having a small campus feel, the prices can be quite expensive. Without financial aid, grants, and assistance, Ball State University can quickly became expensive. Thankfully, the programs in all areas from tuition aid to meal plans are well constructed and fit to your everyday life.
Tips for prospective students
Ball State University is a great place with a beautiful campus that has many resources for prospective students. During orientation, all of the staff were extremely helpful and I learned many things that I did not know about the school (and I have lived in Muncie all my life)!
Great for these types of students
Ball State is great for Greek Life, Student Organizations, Student run publications, and student-run/school approved parties each saturday. There are plenty of areas for abroad study and preparing you for any profession where you might do graduate studies elsewhere.

Stacy from Jackson, LA

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Ball State is giving me several opportunities to stand out from the crowd. I am an Elementary major and I will be studying abroad in the summer in Britain and I am also taking a couple immersive classes. Ball State is all about getting you in the field and collecting experience
Am enjoying being here
I have done random roommate both years while in the dorm and BSU has done a fantastic job paring me up with somebody. I haven't had any problems with my roommate... except one was kind of smelly so bring some air freshener! Over all I am having a fantastic time at Ball State. I didn't think I would have this much fun at college. But you really do meet friends you will know for the rest of your life.
Bang for the buck
Ball State is kind of pricy especially if you are out of state but you tuition does include several things. You can get free tutoring and study materials for just about anything. The library we have here is one of the best around. From journal articles to an AMAZING teacher's resource section and renting cd's and dvd's, BSU library has it all!
Tips for prospective students
Keep an open mind when coming to college. If you don't like any of your classes and just aren't feeling the school it's ok to transfer I know several people who have transfered to BSU from other schools and vice versa. BSU is a fantastic place to attend school. Oh and pack an umbrella and rain boots... I promise you will need them.
Great for these types of students
Nursing, tcom, education majors, music majors, music education majors, singers, and several more just go to BSU.edu!!

Christina from Columbus, IN

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I feel that Ball State University wants you to succeed. If you actually pay attention in class and at least do the minimum of what you need to do in the class, I think you'll be just fine. The professors are what I enjoy the most. They are very personable and will try their best to help you. Sometimes, it can be pretty obvious that some degrees are a lot more in depth and need a lot more time dedicated to them than other degrees. I am here for Music Education. I have been challenged but I come out of the class feeling like I have learned a lot more than I did coming in.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being here for the most part. I graduated from a high school in Indiana so I was concerned that I would see a lot of people from my high school. I do see people from high school, but I do not see them all the time. Ball State opened me up to a lot of people from all over, including people from other countries. Not to mention there is always something to do on campus.
Bang for the buck
In state tuition is pretty good here. Living on campus is hardly worth paying so much. I did not enjoy dorm living, especially for how much I had to pay to live there. However, I do see that Ball State tries to take you in effect. They try to put you in places where you will be with people in the same major or at least in some of your classes so you are not teamed up with a bunch of strangers. I highly suggest taking summer classes if you live in state. Core classes tend to be pretty in-expensive and you are not in class as long.
Tips for prospective students
Do not bring a relationship to college. You are starting a new chapter in your life and you are bringing something that is going to put a lot of stress on that relationship.
Open up to people around here. You will make a lot of great, new friends and it sucks to have to go home every weekend just to see people.
If you can, find a roommate before you move into your dorm. I ended up with a roommate that was just horrid. I think I would have been a lot better off living with someone I knew and was friends with than a complete stranger.
If you are going to drink, be smart about it. Majors dealing with nursing, education, law, etc., you can lose everything if you are arrested for drinking.
Great for these types of students
Great for social people. We have Greek fraternities and sororities, but you do not have to be in them to have a good time.
Music students. Everyone tends to go to IU, but if you want a little less stress in your life, I recommend coming to Ball State.
Creative people in general. Our campus is a work of art, let alone our classes and majors.
Anyone really. There is a club for just about anything and anyone is welcome to join. I took up fencing. It was amazing to learn something new.

Halie from Avon, IN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
i'm not afraid to ask questions here. i thought that going into college i'd feel too intimidated by my professors and refuse to talk to them. however, after my first chemistry class i had an actual conversation with my chemistry teacher and he was more than happy to answer all the questions i had about the lecture. they actually care about your grades and when they care, you care which causes you to learn a lot more.
Am enjoying being here
i always have something to do at ball state, whether it's going to CRU, being involved with hall council, or just going out with friends on the weekends. i'm never ever bored. i love everything about the campus, from bracken library to the food (we have the BEST college campus food). ball state isn't too big, but it's also not too small. it's honestly the perfect size.
Bang for the buck
i can't tell you how much free stuff i recieved within the first few weeks of school. i think half my wardrobe consists of ball state tshirts that they were just handing out to anyone that walked by. with your meal plans, you get a lot of food for the 7.55 you're given. all the food is really cheap. you get a lot for your money, for example, access to an amazing new gym, free plays, and a bus that will take you anywhere in Muncie.
Tips for prospective students
get involved as soon as you can (preferably the first few weeks). you meet so many new and interesting people, people you never in a million years thought you'd be friends with. this isn't high school anymore, so you don't have to have your little cliches anymore. you're aloud to be your own person,choose to do whatever you want. think being in the ball room dancing club sounds fun? or humans versus zombies? go for it, chances are you're not going to be the only one to show up for the first meeting. =]
Great for these types of students
ball state offers tons of different clubs, organizations, and even majors that will fit anyone's needs. i personally feel like just about anyone can come to ball state and feel at home. it's an easy place to feel accepted.

Tyrone from Fort Wayne, IN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of the professors in the Journalism and TCOM departments all where their hearts on their sleeves; they clearly love their professions and create friendly yet professional atmospheres in their classes. Between being able to write for and learn from the daily newspaper, being a part of one of the many student run organizations and having the genuinely state of the art facilities for just about all my classes, I'm learning much of what I'll need to know.
Am enjoying being here
The surrounding city isn't that lively, yet their are plenty of organizations and events to make up for that. If you put forth an effort, you can find a group that you would enjoy being a part of. There are nearby restaurants and bars in The Village (a cluster of establishments near campus), but beyond what's on or right around campus, this isn't much the city itself has to offer. Downtown Muncie has a few bars/restaurants/stores to go to and sometimes art walks are held down there. Don't expect an exciting time off campus here.
Bang for the buck
While moderately expensive at times, Ball State is a good school. For journalism, architecture and telecommunications students, you certainly get a good deal for coming here for reasons stated above. The dining areas have pretty good food; which places you'll like depend on your tastes, but you can find at least one place you would eat at frequently. The newer dorms are very nice (Park and Dehority are like almost hotel-like; Elliot [Hogwarts in some circles] looks like a castle) while the older ones are still decent. Free public bus rides and good opportunities for obtaining scholarships/internships through the website help this category quite a bit.
Tips for prospective students
Get out of your comfort zone, find an organization that relates to what you like/want to do after graduating/getting your degree and work to better that organization in some way. In turn, you will better yourself.
Great for these types of students
Architecture
Journalism
Telecommunications
Education

Those who may not know what they'd like to do yet
Those that don't mind small towns

Rachael from Sandy Creek, NY

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
So far all the professors are great, they will work with you and are very willing to meet with you even outside of office hours if you make an appointment. Classes for the most part are approximately 100 or less from my experience even in the core curriculum classes.
Am enjoying being here
The college is great there is always lots to do and plenty to be involved in! There are clubs for just about every interest from knitting to sky diving! Ball State is constantly building improving and updating their facilities, soon we will have a indoor rock climbing wall, bike shop and outdoor gear store all right here on campus! Dining Services on this campus are some of the best I have found ANYWHERE! There is a huge selection and they are pretty evenly spread all over campus for easy access. Ball State is a great place to be and you should definitely check it out, the website is a great resource!
Bang for the buck
Ball State offers a huge number of scholarships just remember apply early and really try hard on those scholarship essays, they count! Also the number of activities and opportunities Ball State provides to students free of charge is amazing. We can get free tickets to shows that the community pays 30 dollars or more for and they aren't just back row seats either (I got tickets about 7-10 rows from the stage!). The LateNite program is nice it is free for students and provides free food!
Tips for prospective students
Apply for scholarships early! Use the school website it is very easy to navigate and if very helpful! Residence life does a pretty good job of matching roommates in my experience, so don't worry too much if you can't find a roommate. Use the MITS bus it is free for students and you can at least get to the most critical places in muncie without a car or the long hike out to the football parking lot! If your a freshman just keep in mind that the football parking lot is a long way off and you can't park on campus except on weekends, so a bike might be better for freshman year if you are living on campus.
Great for these types of students
Ball State has many well know and highly reputable programs including business, telecommunications, teaching, architecture and many more. It is a really great place to live and study.

Kaysee from Schererville, IN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Ball State University is a great place to get a college education. As they say, Education Redefined. All professors and grad students are there to help. The learning center is an amazing place to get help with tutoring done by peers or even professors. Even hall directors and RA's are willing to help.
Am enjoying being here
There are many dorms for students to live in, and building even newer dorms. Dorm rooms can be comfortable if you know how to use space wisely. There are many places to eat, and you cannot go wrong with the 4 meal plans they offer. They offer Friday night movies, and also late night on Saturday nights, along with fun events through out the year. Late night are themed events, and fun.
Bang for the buck
Though college tuition is not cheap, Ball State is one of the cheapest Indiana public colleges. Its cheaper than IU and Purdue, and less than private colleges. Ball State is willing to help, with scholarships and financial aid if needed. There are many job opportunities as well.
Tips for prospective students
Moving away from home will be the hardest adjustment.
Find an organization that you will like and enjoy.
Be prepared for Muncie weather-it seems to rain a lot.
bring quarters-they equal your life.
community bathroom-shower-bathrooms-so flip flops-caddy
limit amount of time on facebook.
Great for these types of students
Just keep an open mind about college
and call your parents at least once a day
find out more information at bsu.edu
and email is your best friend

Catherine from Muncie, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Ball State's academics can be either very rewarding or a huge disappointment--depending on what you study. In my first year, I majored in architecture, hoping to learn more about the profession and the craft involved. However, I was sorely disappointed as I found that the academia involved in the architecture program's first year was designed entirely to make students quit. I changed my major to English (something I enjoyed more anyway), and I have never regretted the decision. The English department really hones your skills and tells you exactly how it is. Sure, the job market may not be great for English majors, but with the skills and the knowledge that this department has imparted upon me, I feel that I actually have a chance in the world.
Am enjoying being here
The campus can be very beautiful at times, when construction isn't going on. As for the dorms, some are better than others. The older dorms on campus: Johnson, LaFollette, are in need of some repairs, but they are the quintessential college dorm. The newer dorms on campus are slightly more luxurious, but don't be fooled. While you may be going into the new DeHority and Kinghorn Halls in awe at the decor and hotel-like feeling, just remember that drywall does not block out sound well at all.
Bang for the buck
Depending on your financial aid and scholarships, Ball State can be a great deal. My husband and I are living off campus, and with our scholarships included, only paying about 3000 each per year. Sure, there are better deals out there, and its also possible that you may have to go full price. However, Ball State is a good choice for a tight budget--and you still get all that good ol' college experience, too.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should remember to vary their dining options. While it's quick and easy to go to the closest place every night, just remember that any food can make you sick if you have too much of it. Also, if you are in a major that has any type of studio, be prepared to lose sleep. Not everything can get done in a four-hour class session, and if you try it, you (and your professors) may not be happy with the results. Just remember that there are some majors that are easier than others... but you should really pick what suits you.
Great for these types of students
Ball State is great for any type of student. There are environments for all types. If you like to take it a little easy and not worry too much about your studies, then LaFollette is your dream dorm and a big lecture hall is your ideal classroom. However, if you want to be in on the action and involved with your studies, try living in Park Hall. Also, go for the Honors College classes. They are much more discussion based, and, actually, sometimes much easier to handle than the main campus courses.

Marissa from Dana, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Here at Ball State University, I am learning so much. Not only do I have well respected staff members teaching me all I need to know about every subject I am interested in, but I am also learning how to get involved in the college experience.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being at Ball State University because there's always something to do. If you're bored during the week there are always guest speakers to see about any major or topic. There are also comedians who visit campus, as well as hypnotists and other forms of entertainment. There is also Late Nite which is a student-run party for students to attend on Saturday nights. This allows students with an alternative to alcohol and drugs. The campus is very clean and well organized. The dorm rooms are actually quite spacey and there are plenty of choices for dining. Ball State also allows job opportunities for students who are looking to make extra money. The residence halls are safe and the staff is very friendly.
Bang for the buck
When you are a Ball State Cardinal you definitely get what you pay for. Though college tuition is not cheap at Ball State it is worth it to attend such a well rounded university. Private schools cost twice as much and other public schools that may be cheaper will not give you the college experience you may be looking for. Ball State does. With group and individual activities, tutoring, career opportunities, entertainment, and free transportation Ball State really knows how to help out a college student.
Tips for prospective students
Don't come to campus with you mind set on one specific major. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. Join a club or organization, maybe even a team sport. Don't be afraid to ask for help, that's why Ball State offers free tutoring services. Get out and be active there's always something new to do. Enjoy yourself, this is college this is where dreams are made!
Great for these types of students
All students. If you're looking for a college that's not too large but not too small, then choose Ball State. Maybe you're looking for a campus that's nearby to boutiques and restaurants, then choose Ball State and visit The Village. Ball State has something for everyone.

Rebecca from Kokomo, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors that I have had thus far are so great about giving you the facts that have to do with their class based upon the literature in the class in a manor that keeps you listening and holds your attention.
Am enjoying being here
I felt so welcome within the first week of being on campus. Those that had been attending Ball State in years past were so kind to all of the incoming freshman. Throughout the year, there were so many opportunities to get involved, which made me feel so comfortable being on campus!
Bang for the buck
I love the campus, and I loved being there, but it was a burden having to find money to go there. Ball State did do a great job, however, with helping me find a way to pay for school.
Tips for prospective students
It is important to always be yourself: when looking for a school, applying for scholarships, and becoming your own person. Ball State is great if that is you!
Make sure to be diligent in your search. You will find the right school for you.
Great for these types of students
This is a great school for you if you want to meet tons of people from different walks of life, who all want to experience life in a way that they never have before. If you want to be challenged, come to this school. You will learn so much!