| Residence Halls (Dorm Room) Advantages/Descriptions | University Apartments Advantages/Descriptions |
| Available for unmarried freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate (master's and doctoral) students | Available for students who have completed at least 63 credit hours, or are married, or have a dependent child, or are age 21 or older |
| Roommate assigned to live in the room with you | You and a roommate (of the same gender) you find or
You and your wife/husband, children |
| One room for studying and sleeping | Living room, bedroom(s), kitchen, bathroom |
| Meals provided in campus dining centers (Cooking, except using a microwave, is not permitted in student rooms) | You prepare your meals in the apartment kitchen |
| Easier to meet people | More private |
| Lounges, hallways, and bathrooms cleaned by staff and you clean your room | You clean your apartment |
| Laundry (washers/dryers) for you to wash your clothes | Laundry (washers/dryers) nearby for you to wash your clothes |
| Computer lab in building and you may use your computer in your room | Computer lab in complex and you may use your computer in your apartment |
| Furnished with bed, dresser, desk, chair | Most not furnished; furnished apartments limited |
| Within walking distance of academic buildings | Free shuttle bus to campus available during fall and spring semesters (not available during break periods) |
| Price Range: $8,870-$11,672 plus $120 Technology Fee for the academic year (plus $125 housing/dining deposit) | Price Range: $6,120-$8,958 plus food and phone for the contract year |
| Residence halls open officially for fall semester on Thursday, August 16, 2012. International students may move in after Friday, August 10, with an additional $20 per day charge. | International students choosing University Apartments select their move-in date based on when they will arrive at Ball State. |
| Contracts are for the year, beginning the day you move in and continuing through May 4, 2013 at 6 p.m. | Contracts (leases) are available for semester only or the academic year. |
| Learn more about residence halls. | Learn more about University Apartments. |