Finance and Financial Management Services at Ball State University

Ball State's finance program starts graduates at $50,077—about $5,300 below Indiana's median for finance majors and trailing most of the state's competitive programs by $10,000 or more. While the 40th percentile ranking among Indiana schools isn't disastrous, parents should recognize they're paying for a below-average outcome in a state where Purdue, Butler, and several other options deliver meaningfully stronger starting salaries. The debt load of $24,101 is reasonable and slightly below state norms, but it doesn't offset the earnings gap.

The positive story here is the growth trajectory: earnings jump 24% to $62,243 by year four, suggesting graduates gain traction once they establish themselves in the workforce. That's solid progression, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means most graduates should manage their loans without strain. However, even with that growth, four-year earnings still lag behind where top Indiana programs start their graduates.

For families weighing cost versus outcomes, Ball State works if your student is getting substantial in-state tuition savings compared to private alternatives like Butler or Notre Dame. But if aid packages make the net cost comparable to Purdue or other public options with stronger finance outcomes, those alternatives deserve serious consideration. This program delivers functional credentials but not a competitive advantage in Indiana's finance job market.