Choosing the right university is a significant decision, and understanding the financial aspect is a crucial part of that process. At Butler University, located in Indianapolis, we believe in transparency and want to ensure that you have a clear picture of the costs associated with pursuing your education here. We understand that college expenses can be confusing, and we are committed to making this information as accessible and straightforward as possible. If you ever find yourself with questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we are here to help.
Your investment in Butler University tuition directly fuels the high-quality academic environment and safeguards the value of your Butler degree. Our dedicated community of faculty, staff, and fellow students creates an environment where Bulldogs are empowered to achieve their best. It’s a testament to this supportive atmosphere that a significant majority of Butler students affirm that faculty members take a genuine personal interest in their academic journey and have confidence in their potential for success. And the outcomes speak for themselves: an impressive ninety-eight percent of Butler graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of completing their studies, a success rate largely attributed to the enriching experiences they gain during their time at Butler.
Decoding the Cost of Attendance at Butler University
To simplify the understanding of college costs, we categorize them into two main types: direct and indirect costs.
Direct costs are those that are set and billed directly by Butler University. These include tuition, housing, meal plans, and mandatory fees.
Indirect costs, on the other hand, are the estimated expenses you might incur while attending Butler, but are not billed directly by the university. These encompass items like textbooks, supplies, transportation to and from our Indianapolis campus, and personal expenses.
The following outlines the standard full-time undergraduate student budget used to determine financial aid eligibility. For a comprehensive breakdown of undergraduate, graduate, and part-time tuition rates, please refer to the detailed fee schedule provided by the Office of Student Accounts.
Direct Costs for 2025–2026 Academic Year
Direct costs are the charges established and billed by Butler University for essential components like tuition, on-campus housing, food, and university fees.
| Tuition: | $48,900 |
| Estimated Housing and Food: | $17,090* |
| Fees: | $990 |
| Total Direct Costs: | $66,980 |
*Estimated housing and food expenses are calculated based on the average cost of a double room and the comprehensive meal plan designed for first-year students.
Indirect Costs for 2025–2026 Academic Year
Indirect costs represent average student living expenses during their time at Butler University. While Butler University does not bill for expenses like transportation and personal spending, students have the option to have bookstore charges billed through the university. These estimates are provided to assist you in planning for these additional costs.
| Books and supplies: | $1,300 |
| Transportation: | $1,450 |
| Miscellaneous expenses: | $2,330 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 |
Total Cost of Attendance for 2025–2026 Academic Year
| Total Direct Costs: | $66,980 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 |
| Total Cost of Attendance: | $72,060 |
Direct Costs for 2024–2025 Academic Year
Direct costs are the charges set and billed by Butler University for tuition, housing, food, and fees.
| Tuition: | $46,570 |
| Estimated Housing and Food: | $16,430* |
| Fees: | $990 |
| Total Direct Costs: | $63,990 |
*Estimated housing and food is based on the average double room and the full meal plan for first-year students. Returning students’ average is estimated to be $17,840.
Indirect Costs for 2024–2025 Academic Year
Indirect costs are the average living expenses students may incur while attending Butler. Butler will not bill for transportation and miscellaneous expenses, however, students may choose to have the bookstore charges billed by the University. To help you plan for these additional expenses, we provide you with these estimates.
| Books and supplies: | $1,300 |
| Transportation: | $1,450 |
| Miscellaneous expenses: | $2,330 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 |
Total Cost of Attendance for 2024–2025 Academic Year
| Total Direct Costs: | $63,990 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 |
| Total Cost of Attendance: | $69,070 |
Direct Costs for 2023–2024 Academic Year
Direct costs are the charges set and billed by Butler University for tuition, housing, food, and fees.
| Tuition: | $44,990 |
| Estimated Housing and Food: | $15,870* |
| Fees: | $990 |
| Total Direct Costs: | $61,850 |
*Estimated housing and food is based on the average double room and the full meal plan for first-year students. Returning students’ average is estimated to be $17,290.
Indirect Costs for 2023–2024 Academic Year
Indirect costs are the average living expenses students may incur while attending Butler. Butler will not bill for transportation and miscellaneous expenses, however, to help you plan, estimates are provided.
| Books and supplies: | $1,300 |
| Transportation: | $1,450 |
| Miscellaneous expenses: | $2,610 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,360 |
Total Cost of Attendance for 2023–2024 Academic Year
| Total Direct Costs: | $61,850 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,360 |
| Total Cost of Attendance: | $67,210 |
Direct Costs for 2022–2023 Academic Year
Direct costs are the charges set and billed by Butler University for tuition, housing, meals, and fees.
| Tuition: | $43,470 |
| Estimated Housing and Meals: | $15,260* |
| Fees: | $990 |
| Total Direct Costs: | $59,720 |
*Estimated housing and meals is based on the average double room and the full meal plan for first-year students. Returning students’ average is estimated to be $16,250.
Indirect Costs for 2022–2023 Academic Year
Indirect costs are average living expenses while attending Butler. Butler will not bill for transportation and miscellaneous expenses, but provides estimates for planning.
| Books and supplies: | $1,100 |
| Transportation: | $1,100 |
| Miscellaneous expenses: | $2,260 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $4,460 |
Total Cost of Attendance for 2022–2023 Academic Year
| Total Direct Costs: | $59,720 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $4,460 |
| Total Cost of Attendance: | $64,180 |
We hope this detailed breakdown of costs provides clarity as you plan for your future at Butler University. We are dedicated to offering a valuable and enriching educational experience.
