Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana · Private
Butler University admitted 82% of 11,139 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1163–1330 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 79% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Butler University
Enter a score to see whether Butler University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (82%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Butler University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- February 1, 2027
The application fee is $50, and Butler University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Butler University asks for the Common App personal essay.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Butler University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 85% (17 of 20), compared with 82% for all applicants.
Butler University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
What admissions weighs
How Butler University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Test scores
Important
- Essay
- Activities
Considered
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.84 GPA. 41% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $67,210 a year. After grants, students paid $40,140 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Butler University’s acceptance rate?
Butler University admitted 82% of applicants: 9,144 of 11,139 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Butler University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due February 1, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Butler University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1163 to 1330, with a median around 1250. A score at or above 1250 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Butler University’s application fee?
The application fee is $50 for 2026–27, and Butler University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Butler University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Butler University asks for the Common App personal essay.
Does Butler University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Butler University asks 2 questions of its own on top of the main essay (answer both, 10–150 words each). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
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