Butler University

Butler offers 100+ majors across its six colleges, with standout programs in business (Lacy School of Business graduates hit 98.6% employment within three months), education, and the Jordan College of the Arts. The liberal arts core ensures broad exposure, while new additions like public health and data science reflect market demand. Class sizes skew small—the most popular majors include business, marketing, and communications, but the arts programs (particularly dance and music) draw regional acclaim. The curriculum emphasizes internships and hands-on learning, leveraging Butler's Indianapolis location.

With 68% of students living on campus, Butler fosters a residential community where over 200 student organizations—from a cappella groups to pre-professional clubs—keep calendars packed. The Office of Residence Life intentionally designs living spaces to support academic and social growth. Indianapolis provides off-campus perks: internships at major firms like Eli Lilly, Pacers games, and the cultural district of Mass Ave. Some students note safety concerns in adjacent neighborhoods, but campus itself is walkable and green. Division I athletics (especially basketball) unite the student body, though Greek life claims only moderate influence.

Butler's outcomes defy its modest selectivity: a 98% placement rate (employment or grad school) within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of $59,000. The six-year graduation rate is a strong 80%—well above the national average—and business graduates particularly thrive (98.6% employed within three months). Alumni see earnings jump from $49,668 at one year post-grad to $71,274 by year five, outpacing national averages. Over 75% complete at least one internship, thanks to Indy's corporate partnerships.

Tuition runs steep at $40,140 after average aid, but Butler meets 56% of first-years' demonstrated need with an average aid package of $38,224. Merit scholarships range from $18,000–$30,000 annually, automatically awarded to admitted students based on GPA and test scores. Indiana residents can stack additional awards (up to $10,400) for completing the state's Academic Honors diploma. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many students pay significantly less than sticker price, though middle-income families may still feel the pinch.

Butler delivers elite outcomes (top 15% graduation rate, near-perfect job placement) without Ivy-level cutthroat competition. Its arts programs rival those of larger universities, while the business school's corporate ties in Indianapolis give students a leg up. The campus strikes a rare balance—small enough to feel communal (68% on-campus housing) but minutes from a major city's opportunities. For students who want Division I basketball, accessible professors, and a degree that opens doors in the Midwest, Butler overperforms its ranking.