Ready to take flight? Start your application today.
Applying to Ball State is convenient and hassle-free, and our fully online application process is completely secure. Whether you’re starting your college journey for the first time, transferring from another institution, or considering going back to college, applying is your first step to becoming a Ball State Cardinal. If you're wondering how to apply to college, we make the process simple with step-by-step guidance.
There are two ways to apply to Ball State—applicants may choose between the Ball State application or the Common App, which allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once. The Common App is only available to new, first-time (domestic and international) students entering Fall.
Only complete and submit one of the following applications:
Already Started?
Check your application status in your Cardinal Landing portal or pick up where you left off by selecting the "Ball State Application" above.
Special Applicants
If you’re looking to re-enroll, be reinstated, become a guest student, participate in a nondegree program, or come back to Ball State to earn a second degree, your application process will be different. Learn more.
Instructions and 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 below to see the requirements you need to meet.
If you're 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 status holder, see our requirements for international students.
If you’re a special applicant (nondegree, guest, re-enrolling, etc.), see the requirements you’ll need to meet.
Program Applications
Our Honors College and our majors in architecture, art, dance, interior design, landscape architecture, music, theatre, and urban planning have additional requirements for admission and/or scholarships. You may apply for these programs in our main application.
Guidance for First-Year Students
Thinking about becoming a Ball State Cardinal? Check out our YouTube playlist for first-year students. Explore our academic colleges, learn how to apply for admissions and financial aid, and discover the next steps you'll take after you're admitted. We're ready when you're ready—apply to Ball State.
Application Deadlines
Priority Deadlines
- Spring semester — December 1
- Summer semester — April 1
- Fall semester — March 1*
- *December 1 to receive fullest consideration of scholarships
Semester Start Dates
- Summer 2025 — classes begin May 2025
- Fall 2025 — classes begin August 2025
- Spring 2026 — classes begin January 2026
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 fullest 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’re planning to enroll. We review new applications as they’re 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.
After You Apply
Once your application to Ball State is complete, your next steps include applying for financial aid and visiting our beautiful campus, if you haven’t done so already.
Questions?
If you need assistance with any part of your application process, please call or email the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Us