Academic Comparison between BSU and Saint Mary's

Ball State University and Saint Mary's College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. BSU is a four-year, public school located in Muncie, IN and Saint Mary's is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Notre Dame, IN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • BSU is a public and Saint Mary's is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Saint Mary's has more expensive tuition & fees ($53,230) than BSU ($29,630).
  • It is harder to admit to Saint Mary's than BSU.
  • Saint Mary's has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than BSU (1,160).
  • Saint Mary's has higher submitted ACT score (23) than BSU (23).
  • BSU has more students with 21,089 students while Saint Mary's has 1,601 students.
  • Saint Mary's has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while BSU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • BSU has more full-time faculties with 968 faculties while Saint Mary's has 154 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ball State Universityvs.Saint Mary's College
Muncie, IndianaLocationNotre Dame, Indiana
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$11,082
Out-Of-State$29,630
2025 Tuition & Fees$53,230
67%% Receiving Financial Aid98%
$12,279Average Amount of Financial Aid$37,743
85.50 %Acceptance Rates75.97 %
20.44 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.14 %
1,160SAT Score1,220
23ACT Score28
62 %Graduation Rate69 %
-Transfer-out Rate19 %
78 %Retention Rate88 %
21,089Student Population1,601
968Number of Faculties154
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services