Butler University
Indianapolis, IN, USA

Reviews

Butler University

Anonymous

a current student here
23 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
For the most part, all of the classes are small enough that the professor knows your name and is able to pay more attention to the needs of the students. Because of this, it is much easier to learn more and to understand the topic without having to rush through anything. As long as you stay focused, I feel that the overall workload will never reach critical mass.
Am enjoying being here
For someone originally from the Indianapolis area, it must be said there are not too many attractions or exotic places to see around the campus or the outside area. The campus is nice and calm although some of the buildings and the dormitory halls could use an update. There are a few places that are unique to the area (IMA, NCAA Hall of Champions, Children's Museum).
Bang for the buck
If you consider the amount of money you pay and what to take from Butler, (Competitive academics and national recognition), then you are getting quite a bang for the buck. Butler provides large amounts of financial aid.
Tips for prospective students
The best way to leave an impression on Butler University is to show that you are well rounded, have a solid academic history, and that you have activities outside of school.
Great for these types of students
Butler University is the perfect place for people looking to stay in the Midwest and for those students looking for a small school that has small classes and solid academics.

Karina from Carmel, IN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Butler's professors really care about their students and encourage learning both inside and out of the classroom. The professors push their students to get the most out of their education.
Am enjoying being here
At least once a day my friends catch me saying, I just love Butler. There is not a thing in this world that I do not love about Butler. The students, faculty, facilities, and academics are excellent.
Bang for the buck
Butler gives students a signifigant amount of financial aid and accepts outside scholarships. They are very helpful by providing payment plans for their students. Butler's students are very well educated and receive the highest caliber of academics available at an undergraduate level.
Tips for prospective students
Visit campus! When you step onto the right campus, you will know it. Also, talk to current students and get their feedback on how they enjoy Butler.
Great for these types of students
Butler is the great place for involved, motivated students. The students here know how to balance work and play, and accomplish a lot of things during their undergraduate career.

Brian from LaPorte, IN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently a pharmacy major in the rigorous pharmacy program at Butler University. The high standards that are held for the students and the small classroom atmosphere ensure that the students reach their full potential. Although the pharmacy program is one of the toughest at Butler, I feel comfortable because my professors make an effort beyond what most professors would make at a state school to make sure that I understand the concepts. The arts program at Butler is renowned around the region, and the business program is gaining recognition by the year. Overall, I believe that choosing Butler will help you to reach your goals.
Am enjoying being here
There has literally been no moment in time when I didn't have the option of doing something worthwhile. The greek houses are not like those at larger schools, and they take time to get to know freshmen and get them involved in the greek philanthropies and events. The university as a whole does a great job of brainstorming ideas for events for people with all kinds of interests. Butler really is a small community, and I have gotten a sense of belonging through my first semester. Butler also lies only 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, which offers many malls, museums, and activities. I miss being on campus when I am home for breaks.
Bang for the buck
Although Butler is expensive, the school does a great job of offering financial aid. The average aid offered by the school is over $10,000, and the school also does a good job of working with families to offer an acceptable cost. Based on the education that students receive, the value of a Butler University degree outweighs the annual cost of the school.
Tips for prospective students
One thing that I learned to late is that prospective students need to focus a lot on volunteer work and giving back to the community. Leadership and community involvement are used heavily in choosing scholarship winners. Always keep your options open, and if you choose Butler make sure to participate in the early registration so that you can take the classes that you want to take the most.
Great for these types of students
Butler University is great for students who are looking for a small school atmosphere with a big city surrounding. Students who are looking to get involved and get the most out of their school will flourish here.

Lauryn from Elkhart, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Butler has a community that truly cares about each and every one of its students. The faculty really get involved in their student's academic journeys, and the opportunities that Butler has to offer are very accessible for any student looking to get involved. In terms of size, it's not too small, yet small enough to create a sense of unity and safety.
Tips for prospective students
If you know what you want to major in, I would suggest taking AP classes in other areas. Since Butler is a Liberal Arts college, they are looking to make well-rounded students. That means that there are courses you have to take that aren't related to your major. Also, keep an open mind. I was looking at larger schools like IU, and I thought Butler would be too small. It's really a perfect size. I see new faces everyday, but I run into my friends a lot on campus as well. The atmosphere is very friendly!
Academic Rigor
I took 7 AP classes as well as a dual credit course in high school, although I would say that it's not the norm here. Professors don't expect you to be geniuses, but they do expect you to think in a more global sense and speak up during lectures. Course work varies class to class--some might have a lot of work, others may not be a burden at all. Since class sizes are relatively small, professors are able to hold you accountable for the work that you do (or don't do), so in that way, I would say that Butler's academic expectations are higher in comparison to state schools.
Dorm Life
I had the best dorm experience I could have asked for! Each class gets their own facebook page where you can meet incoming freshmen--that's where I met my roommate. We had a great time and our unit got really close. Also, Butler has Faculty In Residence that plan fun events for the units they are in charge of. Its a great way to get close to professors that can then help you throughout your time here.
Food and Dining
Food isn't great, but don't let that make or break your decision! Butler is working on improving its cafeterias. They have a ways to go yet, but I've definitely been able to see the improvement even over this past year!
What to do for fun
Butler has really surprised me with all of the events it hosts on campus! There's something to do every weekend. We have organizations that plan an array of events that all come free to students. From concerts, to movies, to scavenger hunts, to massages/finals therapy, there's always something going on on campus. Don't forget, we're also located a hop skip and a jump from downtown Indy as well as Broad Ripple. So if whatever's on campus doesn't strike your fancy, there's always the city!
Bang for the buck
The opportunities for undergraduate research are amazing. Butler hosts its own conference every year and invites other colleges from across the US to come present. Many of the faculty encourage student's to go support one another as they present their studies. They also work alongside you if you are interested in studying abroad. They are so flexible about it--just make sure to bring it up with them before its too late! I really believe that Butler does a great job at preparing its students for the workforce/grad school, which is of high importance to everyone. It wasn't my first choice when I was looking for colleges, but looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The movie Hoosiers was filmed at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where our basketball games are held!
Great for these types of students
If a balance between hard work and play is what you're after, Butler is a great fit!
Greek Life
Our slogan around campus is that greek life is prominent, but not dominant. I just pledged to a house on campus and it hasn't altered my relationships with those who aren't greek at all. All of the houses are very supportive of one another. Our greek system is NOT the stereotype at all. If I would have gone to a larger school, I would have never gone through recruitment. After seeing all of the houses really get along, however, I decided to give it a shot, and it was a great decision!
Campus Safety
BUPD always keeps you informed if anything happens, and they keep you updated until the conflict is resolved. It is rare, but Butler is still apart of the real world.

Anonymous

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
After this past semester's finals, I don't think I've had that much information in my head at one time before! I am learning so much in the classroom and am really excited about my major. But I'm also learning about myself too. By joining different organizations and meeting new people, I have a better understanding of how I want to use my major apply to the real world after I graduate.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love Butler. I have made really great friends since I've been here, and I don't think I've met anyone who works, studies, or teaches here who hasn't been anything but genuinely nice. I've been able to go to a lot of fun events like bonfires, concerts, and of course basketball games, and there are plenty of other places to go off campus as well. Broad Ripple, about three miles away, has some great restaurants and places to shop, and there is tons to do in downtown Indianapolis, too!
Bang for the buck
Since Butler is a private school, it is understood that it will be more expensive. But whether it is getting into sporting events for free, networking fairs to find a job or internship around Indianapolis, or just meeting up with friends at the Starbucks on campus, Butler has so many opportunities for students that make the cost worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Come to Indianapolis! I had never been to Indy before I went on my first tour of Butler. Talking to students, professors, and deans helped me decide that Butler was right for me.
Great for these types of students
If you want a small school in a big city, if you want professors to know your name (instead of just being a number in a crowd), or if you want to meet tons of people the first week you get to school, come to Butler!

Jacob from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are very knowledgeable and are more than willing to help you understand the course material. I had one professor who would even give you more practice problems if you needed them.
Am enjoying being here
I love the campus! It is not very large, so you don't have to leave the dorms extra early in order to get to class on time. I absolutely love the Holcomb Gardens! It is a great place to just go and be one with nature. Greek life is a lot of fun because many people dont just go Greek to get drunk and party constantly, there are several honorary and professional fraternities and sororities!
Bang for the buck
Yes Butler is very expensive, but the many things that you can do and places that you can go for free is worth it. Depending on the teacher you get and the course that you take, you are getting a more than average education. I would rate Butler as a top of the line school!
Tips for prospective students
Make sure that you don't come into college looking to just have fun and get away from your parents. You need to always put education first no matter which university you go to. Remember to know your limits for everything because one may come into college thinking about greek life and then go to parties and skip class, which is not good. You are spending a lot of money to go to this university, so you should make the best out of it.

Emily from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I think the best quality of Butler University is its community. People genuinely care about each other and want to see each other succeed. This goes for both the academic and social communities.
Tips for prospective students
Visit campus! It's the best way to know if Butler is a good fit for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions on tours either, most people are happy to help!
Academic Rigor
The professors at Butler are phenomenal. They are so intelligent and passionate about their areas of study. They genuinely care about their students and want to help them succeed in any way possible. Butler really encourages students to get involved in their learning, so there are lots of opportunities for hands-on experience.
Dorm Life
Even though the dorm I'm living in does not have AC and is a bit dated, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else as a freshman. The RAs really try to build a sense of community within your unit (a group of about 20-30 people who live in the same section of the building) which is really nice, especially as you're adjusting to college. Many of my friends are girls who live down the hall from me, and I have dorm life to thank for these new friendships.
Food and Dining
The food at Atherton is okay. It's not awful and it's definitely edible, but meals are very repetitive. There aren't a lot of choices if you want to eat healthy, so I find myself eating more salads than I ever have in my life. They're really trying to improve the quality of the food, but it's campus food...by nature it isn't luxurious.
What to do for fun
Check out all the free things that are going on around campus! SGA (student government) is really good about putting on fun late night events (especially during the first 6 weeks of school). Butler also brings speakers and bands to campus, which students can go see for free. Go to the sporting events, especially Butler basketball games! They're really fun, and students get into all sporting events for free. If you want to go off campus, Broad Ripple has lots to do as well.
Bang for the buck
Butler is expensive, but you get so much for your money. I think the community that Butler has is priceless. Butler's academics are really strong, and you really get a personalized college experience.
Great for these types of students
Butler is great for students who desire a strong campus community, dedicated professors, rigorous academics and want to be surrounded by a bunch of students who truly love their school. Butler gives students the best of both worlds, a small school feel in a city environment. Students who want small class sizes and the personalized attention of a small school without feeling trapped, Butler is for you! Indianapolis is about 10 minutes away, so you still have access to a vibrant social life without feeling lost on a huge campus.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of ways to get involved on campus, and clubs are a really fun way to do so. Go to Block Party at the beginning of the year to learn about all the clubs and activities on campus!
Greek Life
I'd say that Greek life at Butler is different than Greek life at a lot of other schools. All of the different chapters seem to really support each other, and it's very community based.
Campus Safety
Butler has its own police department on campus. BUPD is really good about keeping students informed about things going on around campus through DAWG Alert. They also offer Dawg Ride, a transportation service that runs from Wednesday-Sunday in the evenings. If you're working out after dark at the HRC or studying late and don't feel safe walking back by yourself in the dark, they'll give you a ride back to your dorm. That being said, I've never felt unsafe on campus. BUPD is always out patrolling the area.

Miranda from Maple Grove, MN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Butler University is a small school with all of the benefits of a large school. The professors know me by name, the students truly care about each other, and the university makes it easy to feel at home. It is perfectly located close enough to downtown Indianapolis without being in the heart of the city.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of the early orientation programs such as Ambassadors of Change. They are truly a great way to get to know other students before the school year even starts. Also, do not be scared off by the cost of tuition - Butler offers many scholarships that are need-based, merit-based, and departmental.
Academic Rigor
I am in the pharmacy program which naturally has more challenging coursework, especially since it is a 6-year program rather than the traditional 8-year.
Food and Dining
There is a lot of variety with the food, and the meal plan allows for three meals a day as well as $400 to use on snacks, Starbucks, and fast food.
Bang for the buck
True, the tuition is quite a bit higher than state schools; however, it is much more inclusive than larger schools. For instance, students get into all sports games, including basketball, for free as well as discounts on concerts and speakers, such as Maya Angelou, that come to Clowes Memorial Hall. There are amazing opportunities for the students here - I personally have seen Maya Angelou, Whoopi Goldberg, and B.o.B all in my first semester here with Laura Bush coming up soon and all of them for free.
Clubs and Activities
Even with the small population, there are over 100 clubs and organizations for students to join.
Greek Life
Greek life is alive and well at Butler's campus with 35% of students living in greek housing. However, it is unlike traditional greek life due to the small size of the campus, and hazing is strictly prohibited.
Campus Safety
BUPD is always a quick phone call away and there are emergency poles everywhere with a button to call them in a hurry. Also, there is a Dawg Ride shuttle which transports students all over campus at late hours when they feel unsafe walking.

Macy from North Vernon, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Butler University is definitely the home away from home that anyone could ever want from a university. Butler allows students to be themselves, always recognize a familiar face, and make friends to last a lifetime. Butler University was and still is the best choice I could have made in a university!
Tips for prospective students
Just get involved, but not with too many clubs or activities. It is a great way to meet even more people and really create an image for yourself on campus! I would also advise students to make sure and not be afraid to ask questions! Butler is a small campus with so many teachers and staff willing to help with whatever you need!
Academic Rigor
Classes are tough, but most professors are very willing to hold meetings outside of their normal office hours to make sure their students are learning and being successful with their classwork.
Dorm Life
I lived in the co-ed dorm, Ross Hall, my freshmen year. The top floor is all girls, and it was great! THe rooms were not terribly small, and each unit had an RA that tried to keep all of the girls involved in activities throughout the semester. We had movie nights and BINGO nights!
Food and Dining
There are two places to dine on campus- Atherton and CClub. Atherton is the cafeteria-style place. It had renovations after my freshmen year and now there is an ice-cream machine and a habachi grill! There are also many other choices like a sandwich and salad bar, and also desserts! CClub is downstairs from Atherton and consists of Papa Johns, A hot sandwich place, salads and soups, and snacks for just a quick lunch. The workers are all really friendly! There is also a Starbucks right in the middle of campus!
What to do for fun
There is a ton of stuff to do for fun! There are many different clubs, as well as intramural sports. There is also always basketball, baseball, football, softball, track- all kinds of sporting events happening to go to- for FREE with your student ID! There are also Butler-sponsored giveback nights at local restaurants and bars to give back to charities though Greek life and other clubs.
Bang for the buck
Butler is pricy, but you definitely get your money worth. There are career mentors and internship coordinators assigned specifically to each business student, as well as an advisor for EVERY student! The professors are more than helpful, and the placement rates are high for graduating students!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Butler has a fountain located in the middle of campus called Star Fountain, and it is one of the six on campus. Star Fountain is a common meeting place since it is centrally located. Students also fountain hop through the fountains. There is also the Mall that is a just a large open grassy area that is always filled with students in the warmer months. Campus Golf is also a tradition on campus. People hit tennis balls with golf clubs at different marks on campus. Butler students also have a DAWG Pound for the sporting events.
Great for these types of students
Butler is really great for all types of students considering there is so much to get involved in. The core curriculum really helps to create well rounded students, and the opportunities are endless at Butler University!
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and activities at BU. Dawg Pound, intramural sports, the Diversity Center, Help Heal Haiti, sporting events, rowing club, accounting and math clubs, pre-studies, EVERYTHING! It is really easy to get involved not only on campus, but also in the Indianapolis Community.
Greek Life
Greek life only consists of 30% of campus, but seems more dominant than it is. It is a great way to get even more involved and to create an even more prominent image of yourself on campus! It gives you the opportunity to meet even more people and help in even bigger ways. One sorority helps to raise over $45K for St Jude just from Butler's chapter. A fraternity on campus raises about the same amount for Riley. It helps to make an impact on the lives of those around us, locally and further away.
Campus Safety
Butler has their own Police Department located right on campus. They patrol all day and all night, and are available for assistance 24/7. They also provide police escorts around campus at night, as well as a police escorted van called DAWG RIDE that operates to escort students to and from different locations on campus.

Alyssa from Lafayette, IN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Butler was a last minute decision. I signed up for the last campus tours and absolutely feel in love with the environment. Although coming to Butler meant I was turning down a full ride scholarship to another university and having to actually pay tuition and books, I did not care because I could not imagine myself anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking for the family feel, Butler is definitely the place for you. However, if you are not very social, keep in mind that you must also make the effort to create new connections. Here making friends is very easy, but don't always expect others to approach you first.
Academic Rigor
I am a Journalism and Spanish double major and my schedule barely allows me time to breathe, but it's all worth it because I know I am receiving some of the best guidance in the country.
Dorm Life
There are three choices for Freshman; Ross Hall that is co-ed with separate floors for boys and girls, Schwiterz Hall that is all girls, and ResCo that is co-ed and a combination of Freshman and Sophomores. All have their positives and negatives, but the nice thing is that they are all literally across the street from each other so visiting with friends is really simple.
Food and Dining
The food is decent and far better than high school food. The nice thing is that we are so close to Broad Ripple that if you ever get tired of the meals here, it's a short drive to local restaurants.
What to do for fun
There's always something to do, primarily because the Student Government Association sponsors events almost every weekend, and sometimes weekdays. My favorite events are when Coffeehouse sponsors performances in our on-campus Starbucks for free. Also, Greek Life sponsors numerous events throughout the year.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is high; it's a private school; however, it is definitely worth every penny. The experiences you have here cannot be measured through any monetary value.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Fountain hopping is a tradition that everyone must complete before graduation. We have several fountains around campus that people will jump in just for fun. The star fountain that is located close to the center of campus is my favorite.
Great for these types of students
Butler is great for any student who is looking for a place to build long and enduring relationships. The staff is always willing to put as much time into your work and you need. Also, the campus is gorgeous all year-round.
Clubs and Activities
There are too many clubs and activities to count, and it's great. You can meet so many people attending meeting and activities. You can even start your own club.
Greek Life
Butler is very supportive of Greek Life. I am a Greek and going through formal recruitment was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. I truly believe that I have, and will continue to grow into the person I am meant to be because of my sisters.
Campus Safety
The Butler University Police Department is always on patrol. Seeing their cars driving around really gives me a sense of security when I am walking from class to class and back to my room.