Learn how to apply to Ball State as a student age 23 or older. We practice rolling admission, which means we’ll review your application once we receive all required materials. Review the following steps to submit a complete application to Ball State.

What We Look For

Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis to consider academic performance, level of course work, extracurricular participation, and more. Ultimately, we aim to determine if you can be successful as a Cardinal.

Review the following criteria Ball State considers when you apply. If you have previous college experience, you must apply to Ball State as a transfer student.

Diploma

You must have a high school diploma or have a GED/TASC certification.

Performance

You must have a high school GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent GED/TASC scores.

Advance Credit

You can earn college credit early for Ball State by taking special courses and exams through Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International, and other programs. We also offer our own departmental and world language exams. See all of our advance credit options and requirements.

Steps to Apply

Applying to Ball State is easy and can be done completely online. Follow the steps below to prepare your application and materials. You’re one step closer to becoming a Cardinal!

Be sure to apply by the appropriate deadline for your desired term and for maximum consideration of potential scholarships. See our dates and deadlines.

Step 1
Review Admission Criteria

Admission to Ball State is competitive. We will consider your high school performance or your GED/TASC scores when reviewing your application. See our full admission criteria above (“What We Look For”).

Step 2
Send Us Your Transcript

A complete application requires an official high school transcript sent directly from your high school. We accept transcripts electronically (i.e. Parchment) or mailed directly to the Office of Admissions. Find our mailing address.

Step 3
Tell Us About Yourself (optional)

You have the option to submit a one-page applicant statement describing the circumstances that affected your academic performance and/or course selection. Outline what you have done since receiving your high school diploma or GED/TASC.

Guidance for Transfer Students

Thinking about becoming a Ball State Cardinal? Check out our YouTube playlist for transfer 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.

Apply to Ball State

After completing the steps above, it’s time to complete the online application. An application and all required application materials must be received at least two weeks before the start of classes for a given term to be considered for admission to Ball State. However, we recommend you do so by the priority deadline for your term.

After You Apply

After completing your application, you can continue to log in to your Cardinal Landing portal to submit additional materials and check your application status.

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.

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