Respected organizations have repeatedly been impressed by our academic programs, our supportive environment, our cutting-edge facilities and technology, our investment in emerging media, and our commitment to sustainability. Here is a sample:
- Ranked eighth among “up-and-coming" colleges and universities in 2011 by U.S. News & World Report, placing us among institutions "that recently made the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus, or facilities."
- Named one of the best universities in the Midwest by The Princeton Review for seven years.
- Classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a research university, high research activity (RU/H), placing us in the company of Boston College, Clemson University, and College of William and Mary, among others.
- Ranked sixth in the nation for improvement in graduation rates among public research institutions between 2001 and 2008 by The Chronicle of Higher Education (published December 2010).
- Featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition. Recognized for the third year, we are the first public institution in Indiana to be listed among the most environmentally responsible colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.
- Recognized for first-year programs by U.S. News & World Report for the eighth year in a row.
- Named by The Princeton Review as one of the best 150 values among the nation's most academically outstanding colleges. Read more about a university that provides an excellent and affordable education.
- Ranked seventh in U.S. News & World Report's 2012 Top Online Education Programs in student services and technology for online bachelor’s degree programs, which include degree completion and RN to bachelor's degree. Learn more about U.S. News' ranking our online undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Won the 2009 Academic Institution of the Year Award from the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA). Learn more about MMA recognizing our campuswide focus on mobile communications, product development, research, and education and see more recognitions for our innovations in emerging media.
- The only multiple award winner in the 2008 Campus Technology magazine's Innovator competition. Ball State was recognized for virtual world learning and digital media training and support. Read more about the Innovator awards.
- Listed among six universities committed to social justice in the December 2009 issue of Architect Magazine.
- Recognized as a university committed to diversity by Minority Access for the second year in a row in 2007. Read more about this accolade for diversity.
- Named a Military Friendly School in 2011 and 2012 by G.I. Jobs, placing us in the top 20 percent of all schools nationwide, and one of only 60 Military Friendly Universities by Military Advanced Education Magazine in 2009.
- Ball State was one of four universities in Indiana chosen in 2007 by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation to participate in a program intended to help overhaul teacher education and encourage exceptional teacher candidates to seek long-term careers in high-need classrooms.
- Ranked as the nation's top wireless campus in a 2005 survey conducted by Intel and published in U.S. News & World Report. Read more about you can connect anywhere on campus.
- Ball State University Foundation named Small Nonprofit of the Year in 2007 by Alternative Investment News and its sister publication, Foundation & Endowment Money Management. Read more about recognition for the foundation's outstanding investment policies.
Our academic programs have gotten notice, too. Check out the recognitions and points of distinction for:
Not sure what college houses the program you're interested in? See our list of departments within the colleges.