Apply to Ball State


Applying to Ball State is easy and secure. There are two convenient ways to apply to Ball State—students may choose between the Ball State application or the Common App*.

Choose the application that's best for you:

Ball State Application

APPLY NOW

All undergraduate students complete the same application, but admission criteria depends on your student type.

Common App

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*The Common App is only available to new, first-time (domestic and international) students entering Fall.

Already Started?

Check your application status in your Cardinal Landing portal or return to your account on Common App.

Admission Criteria


New students complete the same undergraduate application to Ball State, but your admission criteria depend on which type of applicant you are.

Select your applicant type to see requirements you need to meet:


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First-Time Freshmen

Learn more about our step-by-step application process, academic requirements, deadlines, and more, as a first-time freshman seeking admission to Ball State.


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Homeschool Students

Are you a homeschool student? Learn about the application process and requirements for admission to Ball State as a homeschool student.


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Special Applicants

Review criteria for those looking to re-enroll, be reinstated, be a guest student, earn a second degree, or participate in a non-degree program.


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GED/TASC/HiSET

See application requirements for those with a General Education Diploma (GED), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), or Indiana HiSET certification.

 

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If you are currently enrolled at another college or university, see our requirements for transfer students.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, refugee, asylee, or DACA/undocumented status, see our requirements for international students.

Application Deadlines

 

Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. We recommend applying by the priority deadline to ensure maximum consideration for scholarships and your preferred semester of enrollment.

At the latest, your application must be completed two weeks before the start of the semester you plan to enroll. We review new applications as they are submitted, and we only make a decision after receiving all of your required materials.

Students applying for financial aid and scholarships or for admission to the Honors College have additional deadlines to keep in mind. See all dates and deadlines

 

Priority Deadlines

  • Spring semester — December 1
  • Summer semester — April 1
  • Fall semester — March 1*

*Apply by December 1 to receive maximum scholarship consideration

Semester Start Dates

  • Spring 2026 — classes begin January 2026
  • Summer 2026 — classes begin May 2026
  • Fall 2026 — classes begin August 2026

After You Apply

Once your application for admission is complete, continue to check your Cardinal Landing portal for important next steps in your Ball State journey, including applying for financial aid and visiting our beautiful, welcoming campus.

 

Questions?

 

If you need assistance with any part of your application process, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

We’re here to help you every step of the way!