At a Glance

Butler University is a nationally ranked, premier institution located in Indianapolis, one of the Midwest’s largest and most dynamic cities. Nationally recognized for excellence in First-Year Experiences, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Business, and its Pharmacy and PA programs, Butler boasts an impressive 98 percent placement rate, providing a hands-on, future-focused education across seven colleges, including the newly established Founder’s College. In addition to its national accolades, Butler University is ranked No. 1 in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, a distinction that highlights the University’s continued excellence and leadership in the region. The campus and surrounding Indianapolis community is enriched by Butler’s renowned programs in the arts and athletics. Clowes Memorial Hall—ranked the 60th best-selling theatre venue in the world by ticket sales—hosts hundreds of events annually including performances by the internationally recognized Butler Ballet. In athletics, Butler competes at the NCAA Division I level in the BIG EAST Conference and Pioneer Football League. The Bulldogs’ legacy includes back-to-back NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Game appearances in 2010 and 2011, and their home court, Hinkle Fieldhouse, remains one of the nation’s most iconic basketball venues.

School Type: Private, Coed
Year Founded: 1855
Religious Affiliation: None

Mission

Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.

Butler is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

When students come to Butler, they’re getting more than just a world-class education. They’re joining the bustling community of Indianapolis, nicknamed the Crossroads of America and home to five professional sports teams, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a nationally recognized international airport, and many major businesses and corporations.

1850—The charter of North Western Christian University proposed by abolitionist Ovid Butler was approved by the Indiana General Assembly.
1855—Classes began at North Western Christian University in the area of today’s 13th Street and College Avenue.
1877—The school moved to Irvington and was renamed Butler University.
1928—Butler University relocated to its current location at 4600 Sunset Avenue.

No. 1 Effectiveness of Career Advising (Undergrad Business School) – Poets&Quants
No. 2 Quality of Teaching (Undergrad Business School) – Poets&Quants
No. 8 Academic Experience (Undergrad Business School) – Poets&Quants
No. 14 Best PA Programs – U.S. News & World Report
No. 28 Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA) – U.S. News & World Report
No. 32 Study Abroad Opportunities – U.S. News & World Report
No. 38 Best Pharmacy Schools – U.S. News & World Report
No. 40 Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects – U.S. News & World Report
No. 45 First-Year Experiences – U.S. News & World Report
No. 48 Best Undergraduate Business School – Poets&Quants
Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2026) – Carnegie Classification

Enrollment

Total Enrollment	5,700
Undergraduate Enrollment	4,418
Graduate Enrollment	1,282
In-State Students	54%
Out-of-State Students	46%
Students of Color and International	24%
First-Year Students Who Receive Gift Aid	96%

Faculty

Full-time Faculty	399
Student/Faculty Ratio	11:1

Student Experience

Average Class Size	21
Undergraduates Engaged in Student-led Campus Activities	92%
Students Who Study Abroad While at Butler	44%
Students Who Complete at Least One Internship While at Butler	80%

Outcomes

First-Year to Second-Year Student Retention	88%
Career or Graduate School Placement Within Six Months of Graduation	98%
Median Starting Salary	$62,034

INTERNAL RESOURCES

Site Search