Scholarships

The Ball State Transfer Scholarship is awarded to well-prepared community college transfer students.

The award pays up to $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) for up to three years or 120 credit hours.

To be eligible, you must:

• be an Indiana resident
• have completed 30 credits or more at Ivy Tech Community College and/or Vincennes University
• have a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average
• ·not be receiving the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
• be an undergraduate enrolled in on-campus classes as a full-time degree seeking student

To renew the scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. If your GPA drops below the required 3.0 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if your cumulative GPA increases to a 3.0 or above at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request.

Phi Theta Kappa awards are for Indiana residents transferring to Ball State.

To be eligible for this award, you must:

• be an Indiana resident who has earned an associate in arts or associate in science degree with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale from an accredited in-state community or junior college
• be an inducted member of Phi Theta Kappa
• enroll in on-campus classes as a full-time, degree-seeking student at Ball State for the first fall or spring semester following completion of the associate degree

The scholarship – effective for students enrolling for the fall semester of 2012 or after – will be $4,500 a year for a two years (four semesters), or a total of $9,000. The award covers tuition only.

The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of four semesters of undergraduate study, if you maintain a 3.0 GPA at Ball State University.

A limited number of scholarships are awarded, based on availability of funds.

All eligible transfer applicants who have been admitted by July 1 are considered for this award. No separate scholarship application is necessary. However, you should submit a copy of your Phi Theta Kappa membership certificate or membership card and a personal letter requesting scholarship consideration to the Office of Admissions.

Out-of-state students, students with previous bachelor's degrees, and re-enrolling Ball State students are not eligible.

Academic Distinction Scholarships are for out-of-state residents transferring to Ball State.

To be eligible for this award, you must:

• be a non-Indiana resident
• earned an associate in arts or associate in science degree with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale from an accredited out-of-state community or junior college
• have enrolled full-time at Ball State for the first fall or spring semester immediately following completion of the associate degree

The award is a waiver of the out-of-state resident portion of tuition and fees. This does not include room and board charges, technology fees, or the Health Center fee.

The award is renewable for three additional semesters if you maintain a 3.0 GPA.

All eligible transfer applicants are considered for this award. No separate application is necessary.

In-state students, students with previous bachelor's degrees, and re-enrolling Ball State students are not eligible for this award.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• International Undergraduate students can receive $2,000 a year for a four-year total of $8,000.

Ball State International Recognition Scholarship students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. If the GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.5 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The award is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study. Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• International Undergraduate students can receive $4,000 a year for a four-year total of $16,000.

Ball State International Achievement Scholarship students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. If the GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.5 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The award is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study. Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• International Undergraduate students can receive $6,000 a year for a four-year total of $24,000.

Ball State International Distinction Scholarship students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. If the GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.5 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The award is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study. Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students. 

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• International Undergraduate students can receive $8,000 a year for a four-year total of $32,000.

Ball State International Honors Scholarship students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. If the GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.5 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The award is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study. Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

Selected outstanding high school seniors are awarded a Ball State Rising Cardinal Award. The award is open to in-state students. This award pays for institutional charges for tuition, fees, and room and board. 

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• In-state students can receive $2,000 a year ($1,000 a semester) for a total of $8,000.

In certain circumstances, other financial aid you receive may result in your award being reduced. All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Ball State Rising Cardinal Award, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. Ball State Rising Cardinal recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. If the GPA drops below 3.0 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 3.0 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The award is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study (ten semesters for students in an undergraduate major that requires a fifth year to complete). Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

Academic Distinction Scholarships are for out-of-state residents transferring to Ball State.

To be eligible for this award, you must:

• be a non-Indiana resident
• earned an associate in arts or associate in science degree with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale from an accredited out-of-state community or junior college
• have enrolled full-time at Ball State for the first fall or spring semester immediately following completion of the associate degree

The award is a waiver of the out-of-state resident portion of tuition and fees.Students receiving this award are still responsible for paying the equivalent of in-state tuition rates and fees.This does not include room and board charges, technology fees, or the Health Center fee.

The award is renewable for three additional semesters if you maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

All eligible transfer applicants are considered for this award. No separate application is necessary. In-state students, students with previous bachelor’s degrees, and re-enrolling Ball State students are not eligible for this award.

This scholarship may be applied only to institutional charges.  All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Academic Distinction Scholarship, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

Academic Distinction Scholarship recipients are not eligible to also receive the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) award.

The Ball State University Alumni Association awards or cosponsors several scholarships each year.

• Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship
• Cardinal Legacy Award
• Nursing Alumni Society Scholarships
• Oliver C. Bumb Scholarship
• Robert E. Linson Scholarship
• Student Scholarship Talent Search
• Teachers College Alumni Scholarships

Selected outstanding high school seniors are awarded a Ball State Scholars Award. The award is open to in-state and out-of-state students. This award pays for institutional charges for tuition, fees, and room and board.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• In-state students can receive $4,000 a year (maximum of $2,000 a semester) for a four-year total of $16,000.
• Out-of-state students can receive $14,000 a year (maximum of $7,000 a semester) for a four-year total of $56,000.

In certain circumstances, other financial aid you receive may result in your award being reduced. All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Ball State Scholars Award, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.  Ball State Scholars must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. If the GPA drops below 3.0 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 3.0 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The award is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study (ten semesters for students in an undergraduate major that requires a fifth year to complete). Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

The Ball State Transfer Scholarship is awarded to well-prepared community college transfer students.

The award pays up to $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) for up to three years or 120 credit hours.

To be eligible, you must:

• be an Indiana resident
• have completed 30 credits or more at Ivy Tech Community College and/or Vincennes University
• have a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average
• ·not be receiving the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
• be an undergraduate enrolled in on-campus classes as a full-time degree seeking student

To renew the scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. If your GPA drops below the required 3.0 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if your cumulative GPA increases to a 3.0 or above at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request.

The Completion Scholarship is a $500 scholarship awarded in a student’s final semester before graduation.

To qualify, you must be an Indiana resident who entered Ball State as a first-time, full-time freshman and will complete a bachelor’s degree within four calendar years.

To receive the award, you must give your advising coordinator a Completion Scholarship Application. You should apply after you register for courses in your final semester but before the course withdrawal deadline.

Selected outstanding high school seniors are awarded a Distinction Scholarship. The award is open to in-state and out-of-state students. This award may pay institutional charges for tuition, fees, and room and board.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• In-state students can receive $2,500 a year (maximum of $1,250 a semester) for a four-year total of $10,000.
• Out-of-state students can receive $12,000 a year (maximum of $6,000 a semester) for a four-year total of $48,000.

In certain circumstances, other financial aid you receive may result in your award being reduced. All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Ball State Distinction Scholarship, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.  Distinction Scholars must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. If the GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.5 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study (ten semesters for students in an undergraduate major that requires a fifth year to complete). Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

The Harold Ellison Scholarship is available only to first-time freshmen who have graduated from schools in Delaware County, Indiana.  The scholarship pays for full tuition, room, and board at Ball State University.  Applicants must be nominated by their high school guidance counselor and only if they have already been awarded the Ball State Presidential Scholarship.  Students must demonstrate outstanding leadership, creativity, talent and academic achievement.  Nomination forms are available from your guidance counselor. 

The deadline to apply is February 1 of each year.

For more information contact:

If you are a high school senior who has actively participated in academic and extracurricular activities and has been a leader in your high school and local community, you will want to apply for this award. The Emens Leadership Scholarship is open to both in-state and out-of-state students.

The number and the value of Emens Leadership Scholarships may vary slightly from year to year, but in recent years the value has been one-half the amount of in-state tuition. Six to 10 new scholarships have been awarded each year to incoming freshmen. These awards are for eight semesters and are subject to an annual review of the student’s leadership and academic progress.

The Emens Scholars form a lively community of leaders on campus. They meet as a group at least twice a year, and they support each other in their wide-ranging endeavors across campus both in and out of the classroom.

Apply for the Emens Leadership Scholarship

The Guardian Scholars Program is for Indiana residents attending Ball State who are either current or former foster youth. The program also provides a variety of postsecondary support and referral services to help you earn a bachelor’s degree at Ball State.

Each year (fall semester only), the program admits up to five incoming freshmen or transfer students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degrees.

Each award will be up to $2,500 per year, which is renewable for up to four years. You can receive funding for the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The award amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance at Ball State.

You must live in university‐owned housing in order to receive funding for room and board. If you are an incoming freshman, you need to live in university‐owned housing the first two years. If you are an upperclassman or transfer student and choose not to live in university‐owned housing, you may receive less funding.

A review committee selects scholarship recipients based on a competitive application process. 

The scholarship is contingent upon available funding.

To qualify, you must:

• be accepted to Ball State
• be a first-time Ball State freshman or a transfer student
• be a full-time student
• have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale as an incoming freshman or transfer student (academic GPA as calculated by Ball State’s Office of Admissions)
• have experienced foster care (applicants must provide documentation of foster care and length of time in foster care) • qualify for “independent student status” under federal financial aid guidelines
• be pursuing your first baccalaureate
• must complete the FAFSA by March 10 before fall semester (and update annually for continuation) and demonstrate financial need
• must complete an Education and Training Voucher (ETV) application (if eligible) by the deadline, as well update the voucher as needed, and follow ETV guidelines
• be an Indiana resident (with preference given to students younger than 30 at the time of application)

To maintain eligibility, you must:

• maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
• maintain satisfactory academic progress
• maintain full-time enrollment at Ball State
• fully participate in the Guardian Scholars program and activities
• be receptive to staff monitoring academic performance and university records
• abide by all university standards for appropriate conduct

Learn more and apply (PDF).

 The Holmes-McFadden Journalism Scholarship is a renewable award, with preference given to an incoming minority student who plans to major in the Department of Journalism.

Award Amount

Criteria

How to Apply

To apply, please use our online form and have a PDF copy of your transcript and any supporting materials ready for upload. We are no longer accepting paper applications.

Apply Now

If you plan to enroll in the Honors College or currently are, you have several scholarships and fellowships available to you.

On top of offering some of Ball State’s most prestigious awards, the college provides resources on national scholarship programs.

Learn more about Honors College Scholarships.

Selected out-of-state high school seniors are awarded an Impact Grant. This award may pay institutional charges for tuition, fees, and room and board. In certain circumstances, other financial aid you receive may result in your award being reduced. All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Impact Grant, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• Out-of-state students can receive $11,000 a year (maximum of $5,500 a semester) for a four-year total of $44,000.

In certain circumstances, other financial aid you receive may result in your award being reduced. All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Impact Grant, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.  Impact Grant students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. If the GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.5 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The grant is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study (ten semesters for students in an undergraduate major that requires a fifth year to complete). Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

The Marshall Scholarship recognizes students who are committed to diversity-related work in their communities, on campus, and in society at large.

The amount awarded for this scholarship is approximately $1,000 for the academic year.

Because Ball State students are a diverse group in themselves, we welcome applicants who advocate social justice with regard to race, ethnicity, economic status, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, and/or religious viewpoints.

The Muncie Community Schools Award is for employees of the Muncie Community Schools to receive reduced tuition.

Requirements:

• must be an employee of Muncie Community Schools at the beginning of the semester that an award is received.
• can be used for up to 6 credit hours per year.
• application must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships by the end of the first week of classes each semester.

National Recognition Scholarships 

National Recognition Scholarships, sponsored by Ball State, are awarded each year to National Merit finalists who select the university as their first choice institution.  This unrestricted scholarship is worth at total of $20,000 over four years ($2,500 per semester over eight semesters) and can be combined with other Ball State scholarships.

The scholarship is for eight semesters of undergraduate study, requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) in on-campus courses, and is renewable if a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) is maintained.  While there is no application required, eligible students must submit a copy of their National Merit Finalist letter to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

National Hispanic Recognition Scholarships

National Hispanic Recognition Scholarships, sponsored by Ball State, are awarded each year to National Hispanic finalists who select the university as their first choice institution.  This unrestricted scholarship is worth at total of $20,000 over four years ($2,500 per semester over eight semesters) and can be combined with other Ball State scholarships.

The scholarship is for eight semesters of undergraduate study, requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) in on-campus courses, and is renewable if a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) is maintained.  While there is no application required, eligible students must submit a copy of their National Hispanic Finalist letter to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Phi Theta Kappa awards are for Indiana residents transferring to Ball State.

To be eligible for this award, you must:

• be an Indiana resident who has earned an associate in arts or associate in science degree with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale from an accredited in-state community or junior college
• be an inducted member of Phi Theta Kappa
• enroll in on-campus classes as a full-time, degree-seeking student at Ball State for the first fall or spring semester following completion of the associate degree

The scholarship – effective for students enrolling for the fall semester of 2012 or after – will be $4,500 a year for a two years (four semesters), or a total of $9,000. The award covers tuition only.

The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of four semesters of undergraduate study, if you maintain a 3.0 GPA at Ball State University.

A limited number of scholarships are awarded, based on availability of funds.

All eligible transfer applicants who have been admitted by July 1 are considered for this award. No separate scholarship application is necessary. However, you should submit a copy of your Phi Theta Kappa membership certificate or membership card and a personal letter requesting scholarship consideration to the Office of Admissions.

Out-of-state students, students with previous bachelor's degrees, and re-enrolling Ball State students are not eligible.

Selected outstanding high school seniors are awarded a Presidential Scholarship. The award is open to in-state and out-of-state students. This award may pay institutional charges for tuition, fees, and room and board.  To check on your eligibility of this scholarship, please visit our scholarship calculator.

For Those Awarded 2020-21

• In-state students can receive $5,500 a year (maximum of $2,750 a semester) for a four-year total of $22,000.
• Out-of-state students can receive $16,000 a year (maximum of $8,000 a semester) for a four-year total of $64,000.

In certain circumstances, other financial aid you receive may result in your award being reduced. All financial aid you receive, when combined with the Presidential Scholarship, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.  Presidential Scholars must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. If the GPA drops below 3.0 at the end of the spring semester of any academic year, the scholarship will not be renewed. However, if the cumulative GPA is raised to a 3.0 at the end of the fall or summer semester, the award can be reinstated upon request. The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study (ten semesters for students in an undergraduate major that requires a fifth year to complete). Recipients must enroll in on-campus classes as full-time, degree-seeking students.

Barb Stedman, Director of National and International Scholarships, assists Ball State students in finding and then applying for nationally competitive scholarships for study abroad, grad school, and other endeavors.  Applicants typically need to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (sometimes much higher), and many scholarships require strong records of campus leadership and community service.

The Study Abroad Office also has a considerable number of scholarship opportunities for Study Abroad participants. 

Learn more about financing for study abroad.

Pell Grant recipients who plan to study abroad should consider applying for a Benjamin Gilman Scholarship; students interested in East and Southeast Asia should also apply for the Freeman-Asia Scholarship.  Dr. Stedman holds information sessions about both scholarships at the very beginning of fall and spring semesters each year.  Details about upcoming sessions are emailed to all Pell Grant recipients and are posted on Facebook.

Please note that many nationally competitive scholarships are especially geared toward minority students and others who increase the diversity of the applicant pool.

To learn more and explore scholarship options, visit www.bsu.edu/honors/scholarships.   Students searching for scholarships should use the links to “Major Scholarships,” “Other Scholarships,” and “Scholarship Databases.”  Students who believe they are strong scholarship applicants should complete the “Scholarship Interest Form” and then call 765-285-1024 to schedule an appointment.

The Whitinger Scholarship is the signature scholarship of the Honors College and is the most prestigious scholarship awarded by Ball State University, honoring 8 exceptionally talented students each year. Established in 1976, the scholarship is supported by academic programs, social activities, and special opportunities as well as the funds for the scholarship itself.

AWARD AMOUNT

The Whitinger Scholarship covers full tuition (in-state or out-of-state), mandatory university fees (those which apply automatically to all students), and on-campus room and board (a typical DeHority Complex shared double with the 14 meal/week plan) for eight semesters as an undergraduate at Ball State.  Students who receive another merit based scholarship from the university (Presidential Scholarship, Ball State Scholars Award, etc.) will have that award apply to tuition and fees first and the Whitinger will apply to remaining tuition and fee charges, as well as on-campus room and board.  

CRITERIA

Requirements include returning the written application, an on-campus conversation with the director of the program or a representative of the committee, and a spontaneous essay.

Scholarship recipients are selected by committee based on their academic ability, character, creativity, and potential for leadership.

Eligibility for consideration includes:

• Apply to the Honors College at Ball State University by the priority deadline of November 16.
• Be accepted to Ball State University and its Honors College.
• Complete the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma or an equivalent curriculum if you are not from Indiana.
• Earn a 3.85 or higher high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

HOW TO APPLY

Honors College applicants who qualify for the award will receive application materials by email on file with their Ball State application after applying to Ball State and the Honors College by the priority deadline of November 16.

All applicants are personally responsible for submitting their completed applications to the director of the program by noon December 6. Specific information is on the application form. We will not accept self-nominations or applications or nominations from schools.

We will notify finalists on or before December 18 to schedule an on-campus visit. All interviews must be completed by January 31.

• is a resident of Indiana and had been a resident of Indiana for at least the last two semesters before graduating
• attends a publicly supported school on a full-time equivalency basis for at least the last two semesters before graduating
• met at least the minimum requirements set by the Indiana State Board of Education for granting a high school diploma by the end of grade 11 and was awarded after Dec. 31, 2010 a high school diploma by the
• was not enrolled in a publicly supported school for any part of grade 12
• applies to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE)
• within five months after graduating from high school, becomes a student in good standing taking classes at an approved postsecondary educational institution and is engaged in a program that will lead to an approved postsecondary degree or credential

• are a minority student (defined as black or Hispanic)
• are admitted to or already attend an eligible Indiana institution as a full-time student
• intend to pursue or are pursuing a course of study that would enable you, upon graduation, to teach in an accredited school in Indiana
• agree, in writing, to apply for a teaching position in an accredited school in Indiana after you are certified as a teacher and, if hired, to teach for at least three years
• meet other criteria established by the CHE

• be an Indiana resident and an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• not be in default on a federal student loan or in over payment status on a federal student grant

You must complete a FAFSA before you can complete the online scholarship application. It takes five to seven business days from filing for the FAFSA data to be available in the state's system. Therefore, the FAFSA must be filed in time for the student to meet the application deadline.

To renew the scholarship, a minority student who qualified for the initial award must maintain the cumulative grade point average (GPA) required for admission to the institution’s school of education or at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent if the school does not require a minimum GPA. Only first-time undergraduate students are eligible to receive the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship.

Apply online for the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship.