Ball State University vs Purdue University Fort Wayne
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Ball State University Muncie, IN | Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Break-even |
| 10-year ROI | +84% | +39% |
| 10-year net gain | $57,588 | $23,871 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $57,582 | $53,439 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $46,347 | $41,996 |
| Average net price | $14,940 | $13,171 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $21,500 |
| Break-even | 5.4 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 62% | 36% |
| Admission rate | 86% | 84% |
Ball State University
Strong return
+$57,588 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Break-even
+$23,871 over 10 years
The payoff is roughly break-even — the degree recovers its cost, but slowly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.