Although I may be biased, I find Ball State University to be the best choice for a post-secondary education in the state of Indiana. Regardless of your career aspirations, Ball State has the academics, social life and involvement opportunities that makes you instantly fall in love with it. There is a true sense of pride and community at Ball State, and the campus is growing and improving year after year. Students here accomplish great things, and are trained to become leaders in all that they do. Here are nine reasons why you should attend Ball State and be saying “Chirp chirp!”
1. Amazing academic programs.
Ball State has numerous departments that are nationally ranked. For instance, the Ball State Department of Architecture is Indiana’s only state-supported architecture program, with the undergraduate program ranking No. 8 in the country in 2015. Ball State students and faculty have won a total of 54 Emmys. Sports Link, an immersive learning program for telecommunications students, has won multiple Emmys and a College Sports Media Award. Ball State is also known for having the state’s largest theatre and dance program.
2. Delicious dining.
Ball State was ranked No. 58 on The Daily Meal’s list of the top 75 best colleges to eat at. With 14 options on campus, students can find themselves enjoying nearly anything. There are chain restaurants such as Chick-fil-A, Jamba Juice, Papa John's and Taco Bell, as well as other common options such as stir fry, pasta and tacos.
3. Ideal campus size.
Ball State has approximately 21,196 students. This would qualify Ball State as a medium-sized university. Sure, it isn’t as large as Indiana University or Purdue University, but it’s larger than most colleges. Anyone who wants to go outside and see familiar faces and strangers would be happy at Ball State. It's big enough to meet new people each day, but small enough to walk outside and see a friendly face each time.
4. Late Nite.
Each Saturday night, there is a free event for Ball State students called Late Nite. Deemed “the best party on campus," Late Nite provides a safe and fun alternative to house or frat parties. Late Nite usually has crafts, inflatables, food and other activities for students and their friends to enjoy. Each Late Nite has a theme, which in the past included cosplay, Nashville and a carnival to end the school year. What other university has a program like this for their students every weekend?
5. Fun-filled Homecoming week.
Arguably the best week of the school year, Homecoming week is full week of fun, unique events to promote cardinal pride. Annual events include the Homecoming parade, Air Jam and the Bed Races. There is also tailgating, which is probably most students' all-time favorite activity of the week, followed by a home football game, which is free to students (unlike most other schools!). If you're lucky, you can get to snap a photo with Charlie Cardinal. Go Cards!
6. Living-Learning Communities.
Living-Learning Communities, or LLCs, place students with similar majors into the same residence hall. Having those around you who are taking the same classes, have similar career aspirations and struggle with the same issues as you is very important - particularly during your freshman year. LLCs are run by an academic peer mentor who holds events, study tables and field trips for residents. Because of the LLCs, students can quickly connect with students in their major, professors and a variety of student organizations. There are numerous LLCs, including nursing, emerging media, education and “discover” for undecided students.
7. Numerous on-campus employment opportunities.
Most college students look for a job during college. Ball State makes it easy to find jobs and get interviews on campus! There are a variety of positions open to students with different pay wages. Whether you’re interested in working in dining, Bracken Library, the recreation center or your residence hall – Ball State has a job for you!
8. On-Campus resources.
Ball State has numerous on-campus resources for students! Such resources include the recreation center, Bracken Library and the learning center. All of these resources are free to students and can be of great benefit. The learning center provides free tutoring to students, while the recreation center has a pool, basketball courts and weightlifting equipment.
9. Award-winning extracurricular opportunities.
If you're looking for a university that has numerous ways to get involved on campus, Ball State would be the place for you. Ball State is the only school in Indiana that has a premier leadership program, Excellence in Leadership. Ball State's Ball Bearings magazine has won over 50 awards in the last two years from Society of Professional Journalists, Indiana Collegiate Press Association and others. Also, for those interested in Greek life, Ball State's Panhellenic Council was recognized with numerous awards in 2015, including Academic Achievement, Council Management and Membership Recruitment. This is only a sample of the numerous ways Ball State students can get involved on campus.
