Navigating the financial aspects of college can feel overwhelming. At Butler University, we aim to make understanding tuition and associated costs as straightforward as possible. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Your investment in Butler University tuition supports a high-caliber academic journey and bolsters the long-term value of your Butler degree. Our dedicated community of faculty and staff is committed to fostering an environment where Bulldogs can excel. In fact, a significant majority of Butler students affirm that faculty members take a genuine interest in their academic progress and believe in their potential for success. And the outcomes speak for themselves: Butler graduates achieve remarkable success, with 98 percent employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation, a testament to the enriching experiences at Butler.
A diverse group of Butler University students walking and talking on Holcomb Mall, a wide grassy area with trees and university buildings in the background.
Decoding the Cost of Attendance at Butler University
When discussing college expenses, we generally categorize them into two main types: direct and indirect costs.
Direct costs are those established and billed directly by Butler University. These include tuition, housing, meal plans, and mandatory fees.
Indirect costs, on the other hand, encompass expenses like textbooks, course materials, transportation to and from our Indianapolis campus, and personal expenses. While Butler sets direct costs, indirect costs are estimates to help you plan your overall budget.
The following outlines the standard full-time undergraduate student budget used to determine financial aid eligibility. For detailed information on undergraduate, graduate, and part-time tuition rates, please refer to the comprehensive fee schedule provided by the Office of Student Accounts.
Breakdown of Direct Costs for 2025–2026
Direct costs represent the charges billed by Butler University for essential components of your on-campus experience: tuition, housing, food, and fees.
| Tuition: | $48,900 |
| Estimated Housing and Food: | $17,090* |
| Fees: | $990 |
| Total Direct Costs: | $66,980 |
*Estimated housing and food costs are based on an average double room and the comprehensive meal plan designed for first-year students.
Understanding Indirect Costs for 2025–2026
Indirect costs are projections of typical living expenses you might encounter while studying at Butler University in Indianapolis. While these costs, such as transportation and personal spending, are not billed by Butler, budgeting for them is crucial. Bookstore charges, however, can be billed through the University if you choose. These estimates are provided to assist you in comprehensive financial planning.
| Books and supplies: | $1,300 |
| Transportation: | $1,450 |
| Miscellaneous expenses: | $2,330 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 |
Aerial view of Butler University campus in Indianapolis, featuring iconic buildings, green spaces, and pathways.
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance 2025–2026
To get a complete picture of the anticipated expenses for attending Butler University, we combine both direct and indirect costs:
| Total Direct Costs: | $66,980 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 |
| Total Cost of Attendance: | $72,060 |
Historical Direct Cost Trends at Butler University
To provide further context and demonstrate trends in university expenses, below are tables outlining the direct and indirect costs, and total cost of attendance for previous academic years.
Direct Costs Over Recent Years
| 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition: | $46,570 | $44,990 | $43,470 |
| Estimated Housing and Food: | $16,430* | $15,870* | $15,260* |
| Fees: | $990 | $990 | $990 |
| Total Direct Costs: | $63,990 | $61,850 | $59,720 |
*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 slightly higher.
Indirect Costs Over Recent Years
| 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books and supplies: | $1,300 | $1,300 | $1,100 |
| Transportation: | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,100 |
| Miscellaneous expenses: | $2,330 | $2,610 | $2,260 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 | $5,360 | $4,460 |
Total Cost of Attendance Over Recent Years
| 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Direct Costs: | $63,990 | $61,850 | $59,720 |
| Total Indirect Costs: | $5,080 | $5,360 | $4,460 |
| Total Cost of Attendance: | $69,070 | $67,210 | $64,180 |
Understanding the investment in your education is a vital step in the college planning process. Butler University, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is committed to providing transparency and support as you navigate these important decisions. For the most current and detailed information, please always refer to the official resources from Butler University’s Student Accounts and Financial Aid offices.
