
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208-3485, USA


Butler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness, which is an important consideration for students evaluating the credibility and recognition of their degrees.
Additionally, several of Butler University's individual programs hold specialized accreditations that affirm their compliance with professional standards. For instance, the Lacy School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an esteemed accreditation in business education that signals a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and student learning.
The College of Communication and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences also possess specialized accreditations relevant to their fields, which can be particularly valuable for students pursuing careers in these professions. These accreditations validate that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and resources meet the expectations of national professional organizations.
Such layered accreditation-the regional HLC accreditation coupled with programmatic accreditation-indicates that Butler University maintains comprehensive quality standards at both the institutional and academic program levels, reassuring prospective students that their education will be recognized and respected within their chosen fields.
Applicants to Butler University must have completed a high school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. The university requires submission of secondary school records and a minimum grade point average, though no data on class rank is provided. Prospective students need to have completed a college preparatory program prior to admission.
English language proficiency is mandatory, as demonstrated by a required TOEFL score for non-native speakers. While admission test scores are not strictly required, submission of other standardized test results is recommended to support the application. Butler University does not offer open admission and does not provide dual credit options, but it does accept college credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits toward degree programs.
The average admitted student has a strong academic profile, with a mean SAT score of 1245 placing them in the top 30% of test takers nationally. The SAT breakdown shows a 620 average in math and 625 in writing, both also within the top 30%. The mean ACT score for admitted students is 28, which ranks in the top 25% nationwide.
Butler University also maintains a relatively selective acceptance rate of 86%, reflecting its competitive standards. Of the approximately 9,400 applicants annually, roughly 8,100 are admitted, and just over 1,100 enroll. The admissions data shows similar rates and percentages when comparing male and female applicants and enrollees.
Butler University requires an application fee from prospective students who wish to apply for admission. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university also provides options for fee waivers to eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need, aiming to ensure that application costs do not become a barrier for qualified students.
The fee waiver process typically involves submitting a request along with supporting documentation that verifies the applicant's financial circumstances. This allows the admissions office to assess and grant waivers on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing equitable access to the university application process.
Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver should contact Butler University's admissions office directly to learn about current eligibility criteria and the specific steps required to apply for a waiver. It's recommended that applicants apply early to allow sufficient time for their waiver requests to be reviewed before the application deadlines.
Butler University does not have any ROTC branch units located directly on its campus. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC programs will need to explore options offered through cooperating host institutions, as Butler University itself does not provide these programs.
Butler University permits transfer students to enroll in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The admission process is moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity. Prospective transfer students should note that the university accepts credit from other institutions, including credits earned through CLEP subject and general exams. Additionally, Butler University considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer application process, which may enhance an applicant's chances.
Butler University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global perspectives and academic experiences. These programs include semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips during the summer or winter breaks, and Maymester courses that combine travel with intensive study. Students can choose from destinations across multiple continents, ensuring a range of cultural and academic environments suited to diverse fields of study.
The university emphasizes immersive experiences, encouraging students to engage with local communities and cultures beyond the classroom. Additionally, Butler University supports customized programs that allow students to tailor their study abroad based on their academic interests and career goals. The Office of International Programs assists with planning, credit transfer, and scholarship opportunities, helping to make these experiences accessible and academically meaningful.
Median composite SAT score
1245Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting ACT scores
19%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
35%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer