Ball State University vs Trine University: which has better ROI?
Trine University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,420 in 11.5 years versus 17.2 years at Ball State University, on median earnings of $57,165 vs $51,833 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Ball State University | Trine University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,940 | $25,355 |
| Total net cost | $59,760 | $101,420 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,833 | $57,165 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 17.2 yrs | 11.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $9,700 | $74,680 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Ball State University or Trine University?
Ball State University, at $14,940 a year after aid versus $25,355 — a gap of $10,415 a year, or $41,660 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 Trine University graduates earn more?
Trine University graduates report a median $57,165 ten years after entry, $5,332 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 Trine University?
Ball State University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Trine University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at Trine 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.