Ball State University vs Taylor University: which has better ROI?
Ball State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,760 in 17.2 years versus 25.9 years at Taylor University, on median earnings of $51,833 vs $52,198 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Ball State University | Taylor University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,940 | $24,865 |
| Total net cost | $59,760 | $99,460 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,833 | $52,198 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 17.2 yrs | 25.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $9,700 | -$22,700 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Ball State University or Taylor University?
Ball State University, at $14,940 a year after aid versus $24,865 — a gap of $9,925 a year, or $39,700 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Ball State University or Taylor University graduates earn more?
Taylor University graduates report a median $52,198 ten years after entry, $365 more than the $51,833 at Ball State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Ball State University or Taylor University?
Taylor University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Ball State University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
74% of students finish at Taylor University, against 62% at Ball State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.