Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,269 track close to the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts and Sciences programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic ten-year scenarios is just 5% — this field's hands-on core resists automation.
Median debt of $23,125 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,269 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #228 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Ball State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $35,269 to $46,722 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.