Ball State University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $41.5K puts this bachelor's program at the 31st percentile on cost — roughly 54% below the $89.8K average across 186 comparable listings. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred; SAT or ACT scores are optional but recommended for competitive applicants.

About This Program

This interdisciplinary major combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics to prepare students for careers in the emerging field of data-driven decision-making. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Computer Vision. Most students complete it in about 4 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Data Scientist, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Apply machine learning algorithms to real-world datasets for predictive analysis.

Budget planners should note $41.5K estimated total tuition (31st percentile among AI bachelor's programs, below the $89.8K average). That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 20 AI-related programs we track in Indiana, of which about 75% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 70% of the Indiana programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $31.8K.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Ball State University's B.A. or B.S. in in Computer Science - Data Analytics & Machine Learning most often target Data Scientist roles, where reported compensation runs around $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Computer Vision maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Data Analyst
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Apply machine learning algorithms to real-world datasets for predictive analysis.
• Design and implement data pipelines for large-scale analytics.
• Evaluate and optimize models using statistical validation techniques.
• Develop AI-driven solutions for data-intensive problems.

Curriculum Highlights

The program offers concentrations in computational, environmental, social behavioral, or media analytics, covering topics such as machine learning, data mining, and predictive modeling for various sectors.

Top Employers

Top employers include tech companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as consulting firms and financial institutions.

Admissions

Admission to Ball State University's B.A. or B.S. in in Computer Science - Data Analytics & Machine Learning generally expects a high school diploma. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Optional
• Letters of Recommendation: Optional
• Resume: Optional
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions