Ball State University

location_on Indiana, United States school Public University

trophy #801 World Rank

public Verified Listing

About Ball State University

Ball State University is a dynamic public research university located in Muncie, Indiana, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its innovative teaching and commitment to student success, Ball State fosters a vibrant campus community with a focus on creativity and collaboration.

10k+ Students

15:1 Student-Faculty Ratio

Yes STEM Available

Mixed Classification

location_city City, State & Campus Insights

Explore life, weather, culture, transit, and demographics around Ball State University

groups 1. City Size & State Population

City Name

Muncie

City Area Size

70.82 sq km / 27.34 sq mi

City Population

67,492

State Population

6.8 Million

Density: 953 people per sq km / 2,468 people per sq mi

thermostat 2. Monthly Climate (Jan – Dec)

Jan

1°C

-7°C

34°F

Feb

3°C

-6°C

38°F

Mar

10°C

-1°C

50°F

Apr

17°C

5°C

62°F

May

23°C

11°C

73°F

Jun

28°C

16°C

82°F

Jul

29°C

18°C

85°F

Aug

28°C

17°C

83°F

Sep

25°C

13°C

77°F

Oct

18°C

7°C

64°F

Nov

10°C

1°C

50°F

Dec

3°C

-4°C

38°F

attractions 3. Top Places to Visit Nearby

Minnetrista

Museum & Gardens

A beautiful 40-acre campus featuring gardens, a museum, and historic homes, celebrating the heritage of the Ball family and East Central Indiana.

Muncie Children's Museum

Museum

An interactive museum designed for children, offering hands-on exhibits focused on science, culture, and community.

Cardinal Greenway

Recreational Trail

The longest rail-trail in Indiana, offering over 60 miles for walking, running, and biking through scenic landscapes.

Ball State University Museum of Art

Museum

Located on the Ball State campus, this museum houses a diverse collection of art spanning various periods and cultures.

restaurant 4. Top Local Foods & Cuisines

local_dining

Hoosier Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

A classic Indiana dish featuring a breaded and fried pork cutlet, pounded thin and served on a bun with various toppings.

local_dining

Sugar Cream Pie

Indiana's state pie, a simple yet delicious custard pie with a creamy, sweet filling and a hint of vanilla or nutmeg.

local_dining

Fried Biscuits with Apple Butter

A beloved regional breakfast or dessert item, often found at local diners, consisting of warm, fluffy fried biscuits served with sweet apple butter.

diversity_3 5. Racial & Demographic Composition

Muncie, Indiana, exhibits a demographic makeup that is predominantly White, with a significant African American population and growing Hispanic/Latino and multiracial communities, reflecting the broader diversity trends in the Midwest.

Caucasian / White 78.9%

African American / Black 12.6%

Hispanic / Latino 3.8%

Asian American 1.3%

Multiracial & Other 3.4%

workspace_premium 6. Notable University Alumni & Figures

person

David Letterman

Television Host and Comedian

A renowned television host, comedian, and producer, best known for hosting late-night talk shows for 33 years.

person

Jim Davis

Cartoonist

Creator of the widely popular comic strip 'Garfield', featuring the cynical orange cat and his owner, Jon Arbuckle.

person

Angela Ahrendts

Business Executive

Former Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple Inc. and former CEO of Burberry, known for her leadership in luxury and technology brands.

directions_bus 7. Transportation & Getting Around

Muncie's transportation infrastructure primarily relies on roadways, with a local bus system serving the city. Regional connections are made through nearby major highways and an airport in Indianapolis.

Public Transit (Buses & Metro)

Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) provides bus service throughout the city, including routes connecting Ball State University to various locations. Fares are affordable, and schedules are designed to accommodate student and local commuter needs.

Walking & Cycling

Muncie has an increasing number of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas, particularly around the university and downtown. The Cardinal Greenway offers an excellent car-free option for recreational cycling and walking. Walk Score: 40 (Car-Dependent), Bike Score: 52 (Bikeable).

Regional Rail & Airport

There is no direct regional rail service in Muncie. The closest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), approximately an hour's drive southwest, offering national and international flights. Muncie also has a municipal airport (MIE) for general aviation.

school 8. Education & Literacy Level

Literacy Rate

98.5% (Indiana)

Bachelor's Degree+

28.6% (Muncie, for population 25+)

Muncie is home to Ball State University, a significant educational institution that greatly influences the city's academic ecosystem. The city's educational attainment rates reflect a mix of a strong university presence and a local workforce with varying levels of education. Indiana as a state boasts a high literacy rate, and efforts are continuously made to improve higher education attainment.

trending_up 9. Main Source of Economy & Industries

Muncie's economy has historically been tied to manufacturing, but it has diversified with Ball State University now serving as a major economic driver. Healthcare, education, and light manufacturing are key sectors.