Funding Your Graduate Studies
For many, the decision to attend graduate school is a big one. More than the tuition costs and time, pursuing a higher degree is an investment in your career and future.
The Graduate School at Ball State makes funding graduate education a possibility through a variety of options.
Graduate Assistantships
Being a graduate assistant (GA) allows you to gain meaningful professional experience while pursuing your master’s or doctoral degree — all while reducing your total cost at Ball State.
Learn more about graduate assistantships
Student Employment
General employment for graduate students is a reliable alternative or addition* to an assistantship that many graduate students take advantage of at Ball State. Find a position and apply to start the process.
* Students with a graduate assistantship who also seek additional student employment must receive written permission from their department and the Associate Dean of the Graduate School to do so. Learn more.
Find Student Employment
Midwest Student Exchange Program
MSEP reduces Ball State’s full-time, on-campus tuition and student services fee for qualified out-of-state residents to total no more than 150% of the full-time, in-state tuition and student services fee paid by Indiana residents. Online, distance, and off-campus tuition is not eligible for this program. If you hold a graduate assistantship, you are not eligible for this program.
MSEP benefits apply only to tuition and the student services fee. Recipients remain responsible for all other Ball State fees, including the University technology, recreation center, health center, residence hall technology, overload, and course fees. Learn more about the MSEP.
U.S. Military Benefits
Assistance for veterans is available; however, careful planning is necessary if you wish to have assistance apply toward your online or distance education enrollment. Learn more about our veterans' benefits at Ball State.
Federal Academic Alliance
Ball State University has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, and dependents who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more about qualifications for FAA.
Employee Assistance Programs
Many employers offer education assistance to their employees. These educational benefits range from providing tuition reimbursement or scholarships to financing select job-related coursework. Speak with your supervisor or a human resources representative at your employer to pursue this option.
In addition, you may receive up to $5,250 in tax-free education benefits from your employer each year. The payments do not have to be for work-related courses. Learn more about these tax savings.
Reduced Cost for Students Ages 60+
If you are an Indiana resident age 60 or older, you may qualify for a 50% reduction in the cost of your Ball State tuition. Learn more about this reduced cost.