<p>I have to decide between Franklin Pierce (NH) or BAll State (IN) to go to for journalism/communications and a lminor in business management. Ball State is more popular, but after scholarships and Financial aid it looks like FPC will be cheaper. Also FPC is closer so I can take my car and not have to fly home for the holidays.</p>
<p>Basically my question is this: Is Ball State that much better than FPC that I should pay more money and not worry about having a car?</p>
<p>Please help. Any input would be great. Has anyone heard anything about the journalism/communications programs at these places. Anyone have good or bad stories from these schools. Thanks guys!</p>
<p>I think ultimately, it should be up to you. However, do consider economics and environmental circumstances. Do you want to try a new adventure? I would go with Ball State, then. However, if economical concerns come into effect, and/or it's a very uncomfortable time changing to a new surrounding, then, I would pick Franklin Pierce College.</p>
<p>And if you're worrying about the statistical comparison between the two 4-years...</p>
<p>School Ball State University(IN) Franklin Pierce College(NH)<br>
Public/Private Public Private<br>
Founded 1918 1962<br>
Religious Affiliation N/A N/A<br>
Total Undergraduates 17,641 1,591<br>
Location<br>
City/State Muncie, IN Rindge, NH<br>
Setting urban rural<br>
Distance from home (miles) N/A N/A<br>
Academics<br>
Student-to-faculty ratio 17/1 17/1<br>
Full-time faculty 896 68<br>
Classes with under 20 students 34% 65%<br>
Classes with 50+ students 9% 2%<br>
Graduation rate* 49% 46%<br>
Cost<br>
Private tuition and fees N/A $22,510<br>
Public in-state tuition and fees $5,124 N/A<br>
Public out-of-state tuition and fees $14,272 N/A<br>
Room/Board $6,228 $7,655<br>
Financial Aid*<br>
Students receiving:
Need-based grants 30% 72%<br>
Need-based self-help aid 44% 67%<br>
Percent of need that was met 69% 72%<br>
Average financial aid package $6,836 $16,123<br>
Average need-based grant $4,442 $11,126<br>
Average need-based loan $3,318 $4,712<br>
Admissions<br>
Selectivity selective less selective<br>
Acceptance rate 76% 87%<br>
Number of applicants 10,695 3,347<br>
Average high school GPA N/A N/A<br>
SAT/ACT (25/75 percentile) 920-1140 905-1110<br>
Student Satisfaction<br>
Freshman retention rate 78% 64%<br>
Alumni giving rate 14% 8%<br>
Student Body<br>
Diversity** no no<br>
Fraternity members 8% N/A<br>
Sorority members 10% N/A<br>
Students living off campus 59% 13%</p>