At a Glance

Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing six colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Approximately 4,400 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 48 states and 31 countries.

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.

2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Rankings

No. 1 Regional University–Midwest
No. 1 Most Innovative School–Midwest
No. 1 Best Undergraduate Teaching–Midwest
No. 16 (tie) First-Year Experiences–National
No. 28 (tie) Study Abroad–National

Total Enrollment	5,525
Undergraduate Enrollment	4,427
Graduate Enrollment	1,098
In-State Students	46%
Out-of-State Students	54%
Students of Color and International	19%
First-Year Students Who Receive Gift Aid	96%

Enrollment

Full-time Faculty	371
Student/Faculty Ratio	11:1

Faculty

Average Class Size	22
Undergraduates Engaged in Student-led Campus Activities	95%
Students Who Study Abroad While at Butler	40%
Students Who Complete at Least One Internship While at Butler	75%

Student Experience

First-Year to Second-Year Student Retention	88%
Career or Graduate School Placement Within Six Months of Graduation	98%
Median Starting Salary	$59,000

Outcomes

internal resources

At a Glance

Mission