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


Butler University supports a diverse and competitive athletics program, competing primarily in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big East Conference. The institution fields 19 varsity sports teams, including men's and women's basketball, soccer, cross country, swimming & diving, and tennis, among others. The Bulldogs have built a strong reputation, especially for their men's basketball team, which has gained national recognition and has participated consistently in the NCAA tournament.
The athletic facilities at Butler provide student-athletes with access to quality training and competition environments. Key venues include the Hinkle Fieldhouse, a historic arena known for its vibrant atmosphere during basketball games, and facilities dedicated to sports like swimming, soccer, and tennis. These resources cater to both athlete development and fan engagement.
Beyond competition, Butler emphasizes the academic success and overall well-being of student-athletes. The university offers support services such as tutoring, academic advising, and wellness programs to balance athletic commitments with educational goals. Prospective students interested in joining Butler's athletic programs should consider the strong support network alongside the competitive opportunities available.
Butler University offers a diverse range of student organizations that cater to various interests and communities. Among these are the Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM), which engages students in philanthropic efforts through dance events. The university also supports the Lacy Scholars program, highlighting academic excellence and leadership.
Students seeking faith-based engagement can join the Butler Catholic Community, while those interested in animal welfare may participate in Dawgs Serving Dogs, a group dedicated to supporting canine-related causes. Additionally, the Butler LGBTQIA+ Alliance provides a supportive space for students from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Regarding student involvement, approximately 25% of men and 36% of women at Butler University participate in social organizations, reflecting a significant portion of the student body engaged in campus life activities.
Butler University hosts a diverse student body in terms of enrollment status, age, residency, and ethnicity. The total student population numbers 1,242, with 1,151 freshmen and 91 transfer students, placing Butler in the mid-range among similar institutions for these categories. Freshman enrollment is relatively strong compared to transfers, indicating a focus on first-year student intake.
Age-wise, the undergraduate cohort is predominantly young adults aged 18 to 21, with 1,785 students aged 18-19 and 2,040 aged 20-21. There are far fewer undergraduates beyond the age of 22, and only a small number of students above 30. Graduate students tend to be older, with the majority between 22 and 64 years old, reflecting a more mature demographic at the graduate level.
Regarding residency, Butler University has a relatively low percentage of in-state students, positioning it in the bottom 30% nationally, with just 51% coming from Indiana. Meanwhile, the out-of-state student proportion is high at 48%, ranking in the top 20%, suggesting Butler attracts many students from beyond its home state. Nearly all students are U. S. residents, at 99%, though the representation of international students is modest and below average.
The ethnic composition of Butler's student body features a predominance of white students, numbering 3,316 and ranking slightly above average nationally. Hispanic and African American students each make up smaller, average-level segments of the population at 318 and 225 students respectively. Asian students total 175, while those identifying with two or more races amount to 184. Smaller populations include Native American students and those with unknown racial backgrounds. Overall, the university reflects moderate diversity but tends to have fewer minority students relative to some peer institutions.
Student life at Butler University offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that cater to diverse interests. The campus hosts a newspaper, drama productions, a band, and a chorus, providing students with multiple avenues for creative expression. However, services such as campus radio and television are not available.
Health and well-being receive attention with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling services, which support students throughout their academic journey. While there is no veterans affairs office or women's center on campus, the university maintains resources aimed at fostering student welfare.
The size of the university's total enrollment is moderate, with a student-faculty ratio of 11: 1, which suggests that students may benefit from smaller class sizes and more direct interaction with faculty members.
Butler University provides students access to three libraries, a number considered high and placing the institution in the top 30% of similar schools. The main facility, Irwin Library, is complemented by two additional libraries, which is above average compared to peer institutions and ranks Butler in the top 35% for the number of secondary library resources.
The university supports a collection of approximately 162,187 books, a figure that falls into the average range but positions Butler in the lower 45% percentile for physical book holdings. Subscription access includes around 2,660 titles, also averaging but ranking in the bottom 45% for print or traditional subscriptions. Digital resources, however, are stronger with nearly 296,000 digital subscriptions and close to 945,000 ebooks available; these figures place the university solidly in the top 40% for electronic resource availability.
The library system features 272 databases, a median count that is just below the 50th percentile mark. Students benefit from 96 total weekly service hours, with facilities that include study rooms and all-day access, ensuring ample opportunities for research and study. The libraries maintain physical facilities alongside extensive digital access, staffed by trained personnel and adhering to established operating hours. Additionally, students have access to shared collections, expanding research options beyond the immediate campus libraries.
Total enrollment
5746Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1036Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
385 full time, 232 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Irwin LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes