Academic Comparison between Saint Mary's and BSU

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

  • Saint Mary's is a private (not-for-profit) and BSU is a public 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 (1,220) than BSU (1,160).
  • Saint Mary's has higher submitted ACT score (28) 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

Saint Mary's Collegevs.Ball State University
Notre Dame, IndianaLocationMuncie, Indiana
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$53,2302025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,082
Out-Of-State$29,630
98%% Receiving Financial Aid67%
$37,743Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,279
75.97 %Acceptance Rates85.50 %
20.14 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.44 %
1,220SAT Score1,160
28ACT Score23
69 %Graduation Rate62 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate-
88 %Retention Rate78 %
1,601Student Population21,089
154Number of Faculties968
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services