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.
Already Started?
Check your application status or pick up where you left off in your Applicant Status Portal.
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.
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
- Fall 2021 — classes begin August 2021
- Spring 2022 — classes begin January 2022
- Summer 2022 — classes begin May 2022
- Fall 2022 — classes begin August 2022
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