Cardinal Central

Cardinal Central staff helping student answer questions

What is Cardinal Central?

Cardinal Central—Ball State’s integrated, student-focused service center—is a convenient, one-stop location for business processes, resources, and information for students and their families.

Our office provides accurate information, quick responses, and first-contact resolution, as well as appropriate referrals when necessary.

To connect with a specialist, you can visit us, give us a call, send us an email, or schedule a virtual appointment.

Visit the Cardinal Central Student Portal

Students can visit the Cardinal Central Student Portal to find quick answers to general questions, submit a personalized request for support, or file essential forms.

Login to the Cardinal Central Portal

A Student's Steps for Success

Identify the steps you should take for success in billing, financial aid, and registration on your journey toward graduation.

Follow these Steps

Honors Recognition Medallions

Students who are on track to receive Academic Honors when they graduate may pick up a medallion at Cardinal Central during office hours beginning Friday, April 24th through Friday, May 1st, or at the Honors table on the day of Commencement, Saturday, May 2nd.

Honors Recognition or Distinction

Male Ball State University student walking with a diploma at a graduation ceremony

Summer 2026 eBill and Financial Aid

Billing statements including charges for the Summer 2026 semester will be available on May 8th. Payment is due by June 1st.
If you are anticipating using financial aid to pay the bill, please ensure you have a 2025-26 academic year FAFSA on file.

Summer 2026 Aid Policies

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What is Ball State First Day?

Ball State First Day provides students with all required course material (print and digital), ensuring every student is prepared for the first day of class. Ball State First Day charges will be automatically added to your eBill, but you also have the option to opt out.

Learn More

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File Your FAFSA Today

To be considered for most financial aid options at Ball State, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You need to complete a new FAFSA each year you’re in school.

Get Started

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Proxy and Authorized Payers

Students may grant their family members or others access to their educational records by setting them up as proxy, and grant access to view and pay their eBill as an authorized payer or guest payer.

Learn How to Grant Access

Ball State students wearing headsets work at computers in a call center assisting prospective students

Cardinal Central Calendar

May

01

Spring Semester Ends

May

08

Summer 2026 eBill Statements Available to View

Jun

01

Summer 2026 Balance is Due in Full

Jun

03

Summer 2026 Graduation Application Deadline

View Calendar

Cardinal Central Services

Cardinal Central combines services from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Financial Services (Bursar), and the Office of the Registrar.

Financial Aid

Billing

Classes and Registration

Additional Services

Veterans Benefits

21st Century Scholars

Ball State ID Cards

Students talking outside Cardinal Central office

Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Prospective or Admitted Students

Current Students

Need help? Speak to a Specialist

Visit us

L.A. Pittenger Student Center room 120 Across from Starbucks and the Tally Food Court 2000 West University Avenue Muncie, IN, USA 47306

Office Hours

Academic Year: M – TH 8 a.m. – 5p.m., F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summer: M – TH 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., F 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Phone Hours

Academic Year: M – TH 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., F 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Summer: M – TH 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., F 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Call us: 765-285-2222

Email us: cardinalcentral@bsu.edu

Meet the Cardinal Central Staff

Supporting the Business of Being a Student

What is Cardinal Central?

A Student's Steps for Success

Cardinal Central Services

Additional Services

Need help? Speak to a Specialist

Related Links