Butler University Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Tuition (2025)
October 31, 2025
Founded in 1855, Butler University is a private university encompassing 7 colleges offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The student body comprises just over 4,400 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students, for a total student body of about 5,700. Students hail from 48 states and 31 countries. 56% of the Class of 2029 is from the Hoosier state and the remainder from 33 states and “every continent except Antarctica.” Interested in applying to Butler University? In this article, we will discuss the Butler University acceptance rate, ranking, notable alumni, and tuition costs. First, though, let’s dive into a general overview.
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Butler University: Academics and General Overview
Butler University employs 385 full-time faculty, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The average class size is just 22. Butler University offers more than 85 majors, and is organized into 7 colleges:
College of Communication (CCOM)
The CCOM offers programs in Creative Media & Entertainment; Critical Communication & Media Studies; Esports Communication; Exploratory Communication; Film Studies, Journalism; Music Industry Studies; Organizational Communication & Leadership; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences; Sports Media; Strategic Communication: Public Relations & Advertising; and more.
College of Education (COE)
The COE offers programs in Elementary Education, Middle/Secondary Education, Kinesiology, Youth and Community Development, and more.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The largest college at Butler, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences hosts the following departments: Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Computer Science & Software Engineering; Engineering; English; History, Anthropology & Classics; Mathematical Sciences; Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Philosophy and Religious Studies; Physics & Astronomy; Political Science; Psychology; and Sociology & Criminology.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also offers a range of Interdisciplinary Programs in African and Black Studies; Asian Studies; Data Science, International Studies; Museum Studies; Neuroscience; Public Health; Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies; Science, Technology, and Environmental Studies; and Peace and Conflict Studies.
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS)
The COPHS offers programs in Health Sciences, Healthcare and Business, Nursing, and Pre-Pharmacy/Pharmacy.
Lacy School of Business
The Lacy School of Business offers programs in Accounting, Applied Business Technology, Economics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Risk Management & Insurance, and more.
Jordan College of the Arts (JCA)
The JCA offers programs in Art, Arts Administration, Dance, Music, and Theatre. Students collaborate on over 200 productions, performances, creative programs, and exhibitions each year.
Founder’s College
This college is a two-year college providing an affordable pathway for historically underserved students from the Indianapolis area. Founder’s College students can obtain their associate’s degree with little-to-no debt or expenses, and can opt to continue at Butler to earn a bachelor’s degree.
What Should I Study at Butler University?
For the entering Class of 2029, the most popular majors include health sciences, finance, biology, and exploratory business. The various arts programs are also highly regarded, and Butler University is often recognized as one of the best colleges for dance.
Butler University also affords students the opportunity to personalize their academic experiences. For example, undecided majors can partake in the Exploratory Studies program, which allows students to observe classes, take assessments, and consult with faculty regarding different fields of study. Alternatively, undergraduates can apply to craft an Individualized Major by drawing upon existing programs to fit their unique interests and career goals. Butler also offers three-year Bachelor’s degree tracks in more than 40 majors for students seeking an accelerated course of study.
The Butler University Study Abroad program is highly ranked, and 40% of students participate by attending one of 200 affiliated universities in more than 50 countries.
Butler University has an 88% first-year to second-year retention rate and an 80% 6-year graduation rate.
In terms of career preparation, 75% of students complete at least one internship while attending Butler University, and the career or graduate school placement rate within 6 months of graduation is 98%. Butler’s location in Indianapolis (see below) enhances professional opportunities for students, as Business Insider has ranked the city 10th among best cities for new college grads where jobs are abundant and housing is affordable.
Around 95% of Butler undergraduates opt to engage in one or more of the 200 student clubs and organizations, which include 15 fraternities and sororities.
Where is Butler University?
Butler University is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis, known colloquially as “Indy” and more officially as the “Crossroads of America,” is the capital of Indiana and its most populous city, with a population of over 880,000. Indy is a sports lover’s paradise and is home to the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), the Indiana Pacers (NBA), and the Indiana Fever (WNBA), among other professional sports teams and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Indy is also home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where over 300,000 people convene each Memorial Day weekend for the largest single-day sporting event in the world: The Indy 500.
Beyond sports, Indianapolis also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, including the world’s largest children’s museum, the sprawling Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The city is also recognized for its diverse food offerings.
Butler University is located 5 miles from downtown Indianapolis, and bills itself as having small campus vibes with big city perks. Nearly all incoming first-year students, as well as the majority of sophomores and juniors, live on campus in the 3 residence halls and 2 apartment complexes. Indeed, Butler students have the benefits of a close-knit campus community while still enjoying personal and professional access to Indianapolis. Forbes has named Indianapolis one of the “Best Places for Business and Careers,” and the city is home to a number of major corporations, including Delta Faucet and Rolls-Royce.
Butler University Mission Statement
The Butler University Mission Statement reads:
Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.
Butler University Acceptance Rate
Butler University has an acceptance rate of 85%. For the 2024 first-year class, 9,467 students applied, 8,098 were admitted, and 1,036 students enrolled. Students who enrolled included:
- 380 men and 656 women
- 495 in-state residents, 526 out-of-state residents, and 16 international students
Here are the stats for undergraduates who enrolled at Butler University in the Fall of 2023:
- GPA (average): 3.86
- ACT (middle 50%): 26-31
- SAT (middle 50%): 1170-1330
Note, however, that Butler University is a test-optional school, meaning average scores are based on the applicants who opted to submit test scores as part of their applications.
Butler University Ranking
U.S. News & World Report grants Butler University a slew of #1 ratings: #1 in Regional Universities Midwest, #1 in Most Innovative Schools in the Midwest, and #4 in Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs (Regional – Midwest). In addition, Butler is ranked #34 in Best Value Schools, #45 in First-Year Experiences, and #32 in Study Abroad Programs,
Butler University Tuition
The Butler University 2024-2025 anticipated COA (Cost of Attendance) includes both direct and indirect costs.
- Annual Direct Costs:
- Tuition: $46,570
- Housing and Food (based on average double room and full-meal plan): $16,430
- Mandatory Fees: $990
- Total Direct Costs: $63,990
- Annual Indirect Costs:
- Books & Supplies: $1,300
- Transportation: $1,450
- Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,330
- Total Indirect Costs: $5,080
Thus, the total 2024-2025 cost of attendance is $69,070. Note that tuition charges vary somewhat depending on the number of credit hours and the college of enrollment. Likewise, housing and dining rates depend on the type of room and meal plan.
Approximately 96% of Butler students receive some form of financial aid, including Butler University need- and merit-based scholarships and grants, outside grants, and Federal and State Aid. Prospective students can use an interactive “Net Price Calculator” to explore personalized financial aid options and estimate their individualized cost of attendance.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average financial aid package was $35,820.
Butler University Notable Alumni
Notable alumni include:
- Ed Carpenter, Professional race Car Driver
- Scott Drew, College Basketball Coach
- Sarah Fisher, Professional Race Car Driver
- Luke Flynn, Composer
- Gordon Hayward, Professional Basketball Player
- Freddie Hubbard, Jazz Trumpeter
- Mark Kurlansky, Journalist and Author
- Shelvin Mack, Professional Basketball Player
How to Apply to Butler University
Butler University accepts the Common App, and also requires:
- A Writing Sample, Personal Statement, or Essay
- An Official High School Transcript
- A School Report (to be completed by a high school counselor)
Butler University is a test-optional school, though test scores are recommended for certain student populations (such as homeschooled students) and degree programs. A resume and letters of recommendation are also optional.
Students planning to major in the arts must complete an Arts, Arts Administration, Dance, Music, or Theatre supplement in addition to the Common App, and must also complete an audition, portfolio review, and/or interview.
In terms of deadlines, Butler offers Early Action and Regular Decision deadlines for first-year fall applicants. Early Action (November 1 deadline) benefits include full scholarship consideration and priority consideration to the Honors Program. Early Action decisions are non-binding, and decisions are released on a rolling basis between October and December. The Regular Decision deadline is February 1, and decisions are released on a rolling basis between December and February. Butler also continues accepting applications for rolling admission after February 1, but with reduced chances at admission and scholarships.
Currently, the only program at Butler that utilizes a binding Early Decision admissions process is the Nursing Program, with a November 1 deadline.
Interested in becoming a Butler Bulldog? Schedule a visit or take a virtual tour.
If you are interested in another Indiana institution with a high level of attraction for out-of-state students, check out Indiana University—Bloomington
Butler University Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Tuition – Additional Resources
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- College Fair Advice for High School Students
- How to Complete the Common App Activities List
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