Information for Admitted Undergraduate Students

It's hard to believe — in just a few months, you'll be walking into your first class at Ball State. Between now and then, we'll guide you step-by-step through your transition into becoming a new freshman and show you what to expect in your first year on campus. We'll provide the resources and support you need to succeed from day one.

Learn about your next steps, tour academic colleges, and prepare for life as a Cardinal with the video playlist and drop-downs below.

Cardinal Landing Portal

Be sure to check your Cardinal Landing portal regularly during this time for the latest updates on your admission to Ball State.

Your Next Steps

Confirm Your EnrollmentAccepting your admission offer is the first step to becoming a Cardinal.

To confirm your enrollment, you'll need to formally accept your offer of admission and pay a $100 nonrefundable enrollment deposit. This step must be completed in order to apply for certain types of financial aid, sign up for housing, and other important steps to getting started at Ball State.

You can confirm your enrollment online through your Cardinal Landing portal. Be sure to have your Ball State username and password ready to log in. If you have not set up these credentials, see the next step, "Set Up Your Ball State Username and Password."

Once you log in, fill out the Decision Reply Form under the "Forms" section of your portal. You'll then be prompted to make your $100 enrollment deposit.

If you are an international student, instead of accepting your offer and paying an enrollment deposit, please log on to your application portal and follow instructions regarding GlobalBSU next steps. Completion of GlobalBSU will confirm your enrollment.

Accept My Offer

Set Up Your Ball State Username and PasswordYou'll need these to access your Ball State email account and more.

Setting up your Ball State username and password will allow you to access your Cardinal Landing portal. To set up these credentials, follow the instructions that were emailed to you by the Technology HelpDesk upon admission. If you cannot locate this email or if you have any problems with your username and password, contact the Technology HelpDesk.

What is my Cardinal Landing Portal?

Your Cardinal Landing portal gives you access to important online resources at Ball State so you can do the following:

Confirm your enrollment. See the previous step on this page for instructions.
Use your Ball State Outlook email account. This is your official Ball State email, so it's critical to check your inbox each week to find next steps related to financial aid, housing, and other important topics. See "Explore Your MyBallState Account" below to learn more.
View financial aid award information through Self-Service Banner (when it becomes available).
Update and change personal and contact information through Self-Service Banner such as your name, address, phone number, and email.

Apply for Financial AidMake sure you complete your FAFSA soon to get the most assistance.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) when it becomes available. To receive maximum consideration for federal aid and scholarships, submit your application by April 15. You will be notified via email when your financial aid offer is available.

For a preliminary estimate of your financial aid eligibility and final costs, use our Net Price Calculator. If you have questions, please contact Cardinal Central.

Complete Your FAFSA

Find Financial Aid

Set Up Proxy Access, Authorized Payer, and Direct DepositThese steps are important for payment and reimbursement purposes.

Granting Proxy Access

As a student, you can set up proxy access granting others permission to access certain information in Self Service Banner or to speak with specific departments.

Students commonly grant parents or spouses access to their personal information. Learn how to set up proxy access or read our proxy FAQs.

Authorized Payers

Authorized payers are able to see your current balance, transaction history, and billing statements, and they can make payments on your account. Learn how to set up an authorized payer.

Please note: Being an authorized payer does not allow the Student Financial Services staff to discuss a student’s financial record with you by phone, in person, or by email unless you have been granted proxy access.

Direct Deposit

Financial aid refunds are sent by direct deposit into your bank account, so this step is very important for students. You can set up your direct deposit information on your Self-Service Banner.

Follow these instructions to set up your direct deposit.

Reserve Your HousingApply for on-campus housing, find or request a roommate, and select your meal plan.

Confirmed to the University and planning to live on-campus? Apply for housing and reserve your space in our residence halls.

Apply for Housing

LEARN ABOUT Meal PlaNS

AP, IB, & Dual Credit CoursesEarn credit for the work you completed in high school.

If you've taken Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Dual Credit courses in high school, you will need to submit your official transcripts or score report from each institution awarding credit. We encourage you to have your official documents sent to us before Orientation (if available) for a smooth experience when you register for classes with your academic advisor.

Once available, please send your official transcripts and score report electronically to askus@bsu.edu or by mail to Ball State Admissions. If mailing, please send official documents to:

Ball State University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Lucina Hall

2000 W. University Ave.

Muncie, IN 47306

Placement TestingPrepare for required classes you may need to take at Ball State.

Depending on your high school curriculum and the major you plan to pursue at Ball State, you may need to take a placement exam in mathematics and/or a world language. These exams are free of charge and should be completed before your on-campus Orientation.

We encourage you to review the list of majors that require placement testing and instructions for how to complete these online.

mathematics

world languages

Attend OrientationMeet your new classmates, register for classes, and explore Ball State.

We are currently evaluating the best way to provide an Orientation program for new students while still prioritizing student and staff safety in these unprecedented times. Confirmed students will receive timely updates through email, social media, and our website.

Learn More

Submit Official TranscriptsA final transcript from your high school is required to attend Ball State.

Your final, official transcript from your current high school is required prior to the completion of your first semester at Ball State. Admission to Ball State may be rescinded if your final transcript reflects a significant downward trend in grades or courses not completed successfully. Once available, please request your high school send your official transcripts electronically to askus@bsu.edu or by mail to:

Ball State University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Lucina Hall

2000 W. University Ave.

Muncie, IN 47306

Prepare to Move InIt's almost time — make sure you're ready to move into your residence hall.

Move-in

As your first semester approaches, you'll receive details about moving to campus. We’re talking your residence hall, roommate, move-in procedures, what to bring—the works. We can’t wait for you to get here!

About Move-in

Weeks of Welcome

Here at Ball State, you're immediately connected with our supportive campus community for a worry-free, smooth transition to college life during Weeks of Welcome. This series of events spanning several weeks immerses you in the Cardinal lifestyle while preparing you for your first day of classes.

About Weeks of Welcome

Explore Your MyBallState AccountAs a student, you'll use MyBallState to access online tools and services.

Once you're officially a student at Ball State, you will take care of important business through your MyBallState account. This is where you'll access your Ball State Outlook email, Self-Service Banner, Canvas, and other tools to manage your classes, financial account, technology needs, and other student services. Get familiar with this comprehensive resource, which you will access with your Ball State username and password.

You'll want to download the MyBallState app (Apple or Android) prior to your on-campus Orientation session. This is where you will find your class schedule once you've met with your academic advisor after Orientation.

ACCESS MYBALLSTATE

It is also recommended you update your Emergency Contact information as soon as possible.

Visit Ball State

Sign up for a campus tour, join a virtual information session, or book an online appointment to learn more about Ball State and your future as a Cardinal. We'll answer your questions about admissions, financial aid, housing, academic programs, and more.

Schedule a Visit

Get to Know Our Colleges

Explore each of our academic colleges through 360-degree virtual tours of their facilities. View now.

Guidance After You're Admitted

Your next step to becoming a Cardinal is to accept our offer of admission and confirm your enrollment. When you're ready to take flight with us, visit our YouTube playlist for next steps as an admitted student.

Show Your Ball State Pride

Now that you're part of the Ball State family, display your Cardinal spirit with our digital backgrounds for your devices, a printable yard/window sign for your home, and fun GIFs for your social media.