Butler University is a private research university located in Indianapolis, Indiana, ranked #1 Regional University in the Midwest by US News Best Colleges 2026-2027 for the ninth consecutive year. Founded in 1855, the university enrols students across six colleges spanning liberal arts, business, pharmacy, communication, education, and creative arts.
Butler University offers more than 90 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programmes taught entirely in English, with signature strengths in pharmacy (six-year PharmD), business, and dance. Indian applicants access Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes, with graduate scholarships available in the MS universities in USA pool.
- US News Regional Ranking: #1 Regional University Midwest (2026-2027)
- Acceptance Rate: 84% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition Range: USD 24,000 to USD 45,000 (INR 22.7 to 42.5 lakh) per year (estimated)
- Average MS Starting Salary: USD 62,000 (INR 58.6 lakh) (market median)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Butler University charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis for most graduate programmes, with merit awards available at the point of admission. Indian applicants secure an F-1 student visa and, on completion, access 12 months of OPT (36 months for STEM designated degrees).
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Butler University runs rolling admissions for most graduate programmes, with no fixed close date for Spring 2027 entry. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open October 2026 on a rolling basis. Indian applicants should submit applications 90 days before the intended start date to allow F-1 visa processing time.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Butler University 2027
- Butler University Admission 2027
- Butler University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Butler University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Butler University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Butler University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Butler University Scholarships 2027
- Butler University Rankings 2027
- Butler University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Butler University vs Peer Universities
- Butler University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Butler University 2027
Butler University charges graduate tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, with most master’s programmes requiring 30 to 36 credits over 12 to 24 months. Undergraduate tuition is billed annually, with a flat rate for full-time enrolment.
Top PG Programmes at Butler University for Indian Students
PG tuition below assumes standard credit loads across the programme duration. Fees are billed per credit hour and may shift each academic year.
| Program name | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 42,000 (estimated) | 39.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Pharmaceutical Sciences | 34,000 (estimated) | 32.1 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in pharmacy or life sciences with 65% (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science and Software Engineering | 30,000 (estimated) | 28.4 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Data Analytics | 32,000 (estimated) | 30.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% (recommended) |
| MS Accounting | 36,000 (estimated) | 34.0 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Finance | 36,000 (estimated) | 34.0 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Applied Economics and Predictive Analytics | 32,000 (estimated) | 30.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Marketing Research | 32,000 (estimated) | 30.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| Master of Music | 28,000 (estimated) | 26.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% and audition (recommended) |
| MS Effective Teaching and Leadership | 26,000 (estimated) | 24.6 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
[Source: Butler University Graduate School fee schedule 2026-2027; confirm on the official fee schedule]
Top UG Programmes at Butler University for Indian Students
Undergraduate programmes run four years, with annual tuition billed as a flat full-time rate. Indian applicants apply after Class 12 with SAT or ACT scores.
| Program name | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, six years) | 282,000 (estimated) | 266.5 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 80% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | 200,000 (estimated) | 189.0 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | 200,000 (estimated) | 189.0 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Health Sciences | 200,000 (estimated) | 189.0 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BA Communication | 200,000 (estimated) | 189.0 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian graduate applicants concentrate in the Lacy School of Business (MBA and MS Finance) and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where STEM designation extends OPT eligibility to 36 months.
Butler University Admission 2027
Butler University operates rolling admissions for most graduate programmes and offers two annual intakes for international students. Applications are reviewed as they arrive, with decisions issued within four to six weeks.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline | Expected 1 November 2026 (based on prior cycle) | International applicants must complete visa steps by December |
| Fall 2027 priority deadline | Expected 1 April 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Priority round improves scholarship consideration |
| Credential verification (WES/ECE) | Start 6 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required for graduate admission |
| Programme start (Spring) | January 2027 | Orientation runs the week prior |
| Programme start (Fall) | August 2027 | Peak intake for Indian applicants |
Planning note: Indian applicants should schedule the F-1 visa interview at least 60 days before the intake start, as US consulate slots in Mumbai and Delhi fill fastest between May and July.
Read More: Butler University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Butler University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Butler University assesses Indian applicants on academic performance, English proficiency, and standardised test scores where required by programme.
PG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 from a recognised Indian university (recommended); STEM and business tracks favour 65% and above
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (verify at official page)
- Credential evaluation: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation submitted directly to Butler
- Standardised tests: GRE optional for most programmes; GMAT optional for MBA
UG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 with minimum 70% aggregate from CBSE, ICSE, or state board (recommended)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 (verify at official page)
- Standardised tests: SAT or ACT optional under Butler’s test-optional policy
Key insight: Butler grants IELTS or TOEFL waivers to Indian applicants whose bachelor’s degree was taught fully in English, subject to submission of a medium-of-instruction letter from the previous institution.
Butler University Acceptance Rate 2027
Butler University holds an acceptance rate of 84% (estimated) across undergraduate admissions, placing it in the moderately selective band. Graduate programme rates vary by discipline, with PharmD and MBA tracks running notably lower.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 | 83% (estimated) | Slight rise |
Butler treats each application holistically, weighing academic performance alongside essays and recommendations. International applicants with strong quantitative scores and clear career narratives typically fare best.
Reality check: The headline 84% acceptance rate does not apply uniformly to graduate business or PharmD tracks, where cohort caps compress admission rates well below the university-wide figure.
Read More: Butler University Acceptance Rate
Butler University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Indian students at Butler University should budget between USD 45,000 and USD 65,000 (INR 42.5 to 61.4 lakh) per year, covering tuition, housing, food, and mandatory health insurance.
Butler University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition varies by degree level, with undergraduate charged annually and graduate charged per credit hour.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full-time) | 47,000 (estimated) | 44.4 lakh (estimated) |
| Graduate (per year) | 24,000 to 45,000 (estimated) | 22.7 to 42.5 lakh (estimated) |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (professional years) | 42,000 (estimated) | 39.7 lakh (estimated) |
Monthly Cost of Living in Indianapolis for Indian Students
Indianapolis is one of the most affordable large US cities, and monthly costs sit well below coastal averages.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus or shared apartment) | 900 (estimated) | INR 85,050 |
| Food and groceries | 350 (estimated) | INR 33,075 |
| Transportation (city bus, IndyGo) | 60 (estimated) | INR 5,670 |
| Books and supplies | 90 (estimated) | INR 8,505 |
| Personal and utilities | 200 (estimated) | INR 18,900 |
| Total monthly | 1,600 (estimated) | INR 1,51,200 |
| Total annual | 19,200 (estimated) | 18.1 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics regional cost data 2026; verify at official Butler cost estimate]
Insider note: Off-campus one-bedroom apartments in Broad Ripple or Meridian-Kessler near Butler run USD 850 to USD 1,100 (INR 80,325 to INR 1,03,950) per month, and IndyGo bus passes for students cost less than USD 30 monthly.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Butler University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Butler University’s 295-acre campus sits five miles north of downtown Indianapolis in the Butler-Tarkington neighbourhood, walking distance from cafes and green spaces.
- Location and transport: IndyGo bus route 28 connects the campus directly to downtown Indianapolis in under 20 minutes
- Housing: On-campus housing guaranteed for first two years; international graduate students typically move off-campus after the first semester
- Signature facility: Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium and Hinkle Fieldhouse, home ground of the Bulldogs
- Indian community: Butler South Asian Student Association organises Diwali and Holi celebrations each year
What Indian students say: Indianapolis is calmer than New York or Boston, which suits students who want strong academics without the cost of a coastal city. Graduate students find the smaller cohort size helps professor access, though social life can feel undergraduate-heavy.
Butler University Scholarships 2027
Butler University offers a mix of merit-based awards and programme-linked graduate assistantships to international applicants, though there are no scholarships restricted to Indian nationals.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler International Merit Award | Merit | USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 per year (INR 9.5 to 18.9 lakh) | Auto-considered on admission | Rolling |
| Butler Global Scholarship | Merit | USD 8,000 per year (INR 7.6 lakh) | Undergraduate international | Verify at official page |
| Graduate Assistantship (Lacy School of Business) | Assistantship | Partial tuition + stipend | MBA and MS Finance students | Programme-specific |
| Butler Presidential Scholarship | Merit | Up to USD 25,000 per year (INR 23.6 lakh) | Top academic UG applicants | 1 December |
Planning note: The Lacy School of Business graduate assistantships open to admitted MBA students only, and Indian applicants report higher success rates when they apply by the priority deadline rather than the rolling window.
Read More: Butler University Scholarships Guide
Butler University Rankings 2027
Butler University holds its strongest position in the US News Regional Universities Midwest category, where it has topped the list for nine consecutive years. Butler is not ranked in QS World or THE World rankings.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026-2027: #1 | 2025-2026: #1 | 2024-2025: #1 |
| US News Best Value Regional Midwest | 2026-2027: #3 | 2025-2026: #4 | 2024-2025: #4 |
| US News Most Innovative Schools Regional Midwest | 2026-2027: #2 | 2025-2026: #2 | 2024-2025: #3 |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026-2027]
Key insight: Butler’s #1 US News regional position is recognised by US employers and works well for F-1 visa credibility, though Indian applicants targeting global-brand recognition should factor in the absence from QS and THE lists.
Read More: Butler University Rankings Analysis
Butler University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Butler University reports strong graduate outcomes, with 98% of undergraduates employed, in graduate school, or serving within six months of graduation.
- First-destination rate: 98% within six months (Butler First Destination Survey)
- Median starting salary: USD 55,000 to USD 65,000 (INR 52.0 to 61.4 lakh) (market median)
- MBA median starting salary: USD 72,000 (INR 68.0 lakh) (market median)
- Top employer sectors: Financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consulting, media
- Career support: The Internship and Career Services office runs employer treks to Chicago and Indianapolis-based Fortune 500 offices
- Post-study work: 12 months OPT for non-STEM graduates; 36 months for STEM-designated degrees such as MS Data Analytics and MS Computer Science
Insider note: Indian graduates in Butler’s STEM-designated tracks report faster H-1B sponsorship at Indianapolis employers like Eli Lilly, Salesforce, and Roche.
Butler University vs Peer Universities
Peers below sit in the same US News Regional Universities Midwest tier or offer comparable business and pharmacy tracks for Indian applicants.
| University | US News Regional Midwest 2026-2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler University | #1 | 32,000 (estimated) | 30.2 lakh | Signature PharmD and business assistantships |
| Creighton University | #2 | 34,000 (estimated) | 32.1 lakh | Strong health sciences focus |
| Bradley University | #5 | 28,000 (estimated) | 26.5 lakh | Engineering strength |
| Drake University | #3 | 30,000 (estimated) | 28.4 lakh | Actuarial science and law |
| Valparaiso University | #7 | 27,000 (estimated) | 25.5 lakh | Lower cost, engineering track |
Butler stands out for its consistent #1 Midwest regional position and STEM-designated business analytics degrees that qualify for 36-month OPT. Indianapolis’s employer density gives internship access that smaller-town peers cannot match.
Butler University suits Indian applicants who want a mid-sized, teaching-strong US campus with a total two-year graduate investment of around INR 60 lakh against median starting salaries of INR 58 lakh and above. The F-1 route supports 36-month OPT for STEM tracks, giving graduates a realistic runway to H-1B sponsorship at Indianapolis employers.
Butler is not the fit for applicants set on QS top-100 brand recognition or a coastal-city campus. Those priorities point instead to larger MS destinations in the USA such as Northeastern or NYU.
Butler University FAQs
Ques. What English test scores does Butler University accept?
Ans. Butler University accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 79 for graduate admission and 80 for undergraduate admission. IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 is accepted equivalently. Duolingo English Test and PTE Academic are also accepted at comparable thresholds. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree taught fully in English at an Indian university may request a waiver by submitting a medium-of-instruction letter.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Butler University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Butler University can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term time and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation, typically starting after two semesters of full-time enrolment. On-campus roles include library assistants, research assistants, and dining services positions, paying between USD 10 and USD 15 per hour.
Ques. Is GRE or GMAT mandatory for graduate admission at Butler University?
Ans. Butler University treats GRE and GMAT as optional for most graduate programmes, including the MBA and MS in Finance. Applicants with a bachelor’s CGPA above 3.0/4.0 or 60% typically receive full consideration without submitting test scores. Submitting strong quantitative scores does improve scholarship prospects at the Lacy School of Business.
Ques. What documents are needed for WES evaluation for Butler University?
Ans. Butler University requires a WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation for all Indian graduate applicants. Indian applicants submit degree certificates, consolidated mark sheets, and semester-wise transcripts directly from the issuing university to WES. Butler receives the report electronically, and the process typically takes 20 to 30 business days from document receipt.
Ques. Does Butler University offer education loan partnerships for Indian students?
Ans. Butler University does not run direct tie-ups with Indian banks, but Indian students routinely use loans from HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, SBI, and Prodigy Finance to cover tuition and living costs. Prodigy Finance accepts Butler’s I-20 as the basis for a no-collateral loan up to USD 100,000. Butler’s international office issues cost-of-attendance letters that Indian banks accept as proof of expenses.
Ques. Which graduate programmes at Butler University qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Ans. Butler University’s STEM-designated graduate programmes include MS Computer Science and Software Engineering, MS Data Analytics, MS Applied Economics and Predictive Analytics, and MS Pharmaceutical Sciences. Graduates from these tracks qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the initial 12-month OPT. This gives a total of 36 months of post-study work authorisation to secure H-1B sponsorship.
Ques. How does the Butler University PharmD programme admit Indian students?
Ans. The Butler University Doctor of Pharmacy is a six-year direct-entry programme admitting students straight from Class 12 into a combined pre-pharmacy and professional sequence. Indian applicants need Class 12 with 80% or above in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5 is required, and admission is competitive because of small cohort sizes.
Ques. What is the application fee for Butler University graduate programmes?
Ans. Butler University charges an application fee of USD 50 (INR 4,725) for graduate programmes and USD 0 for undergraduate applications submitted through the Common Application. Fee waivers are available for applicants demonstrating financial hardship, and the Lacy School of Business occasionally runs fee-waiver windows for MBA applicants. Fees are non-refundable regardless of decision outcome.
Butler University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
M.S Pharmaceutical Sciences 2 years | USD 20,100 /Yr | Duolingo-100 | |
B.A/B.S Engineering 5 years | USD 46,570 /Yr | Duolingo-100 |
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Butler University comparison
| University Name | Butler University | Purdue University |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking |
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| Acceptance Rate | 85.9 % | 50.0 % |
| Exam Score | - | |
| Cost to Study |
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| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Butler University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Butler University Admissions
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Butler University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Butler University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5350 | 5272 | 78 | - |
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