
Butler University, a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana, was founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler. The university has over 60 major academic fields of study within six colleges, and currently enrolls approximately 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students. However, in 2010, the university had a total enrollment of only 4,500 students, making it the smallest school to play for a national championship since 1985.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1855 |
| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Type of institution | Private |
| Campus size | 295 acres or 301 acres |
| Number of academic fields | Over 60 |
| Number of colleges | Six or seven |
| Total enrollment | Approximately 5,700 or 5,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,519 or 4,400 |
| Graduate and doctoral enrollment | 1,000 |
| Number of states represented | 48 |
| Number of countries represented | 31 |
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What You'll Learn
- Butler University was founded in 1855 and currently has around 5,000 students
- Undergraduate enrolment is around 4,500, with a similar number of majors to choose from
- The university has a strong focus on practical learning and small class sizes
- The campus size is around 300 acres, located in Indianapolis, Indiana
- The university is private and ranks highly in the Midwest for innovation and undergraduate teaching

Butler University was founded in 1855 and currently has around 5,000 students
Butler University, a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana, was founded in 1855 and currently serves around 5,000 students. The university was named after its founder, Ovid Butler, and has grown to encompass six colleges offering academic programmes in the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts, sciences, and health sciences.
With a focus on experiential and service learning, Butler University offers its students a comprehensive educational experience. The university's academic calendar is semester-based, and it offers a variety of associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree options. Approximately 4,400 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing a diverse range of backgrounds with students from 48 states and 31 countries.
The university's small size relative to other universities contributes to a strong sense of community and engagement among its students and faculty. Butler University prioritises individual attention for its students, with small class sizes and no teaching assistants. This personalised approach enhances the quality of education and fosters a collaborative and stimulating intellectual environment.
Butler University is committed to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. Over 75% of students complete internships, and about 40% participate in study abroad programmes. The university also emphasises community engagement and cultural and social justice initiatives as integral components of its core curriculum. These opportunities empower students to gain practical skills and real-world experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers and lives beyond the university.
In addition to its academic offerings, Butler University has a strong athletic presence. The university's athletics programme has gained recognition through consecutive trips to the NCAA Men's Basketball finals in 2010 and 2011, establishing a reputation for athletes who prioritise education. The university's athletic facilities, such as the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, contribute to its dynamic campus environment.
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Undergraduate enrolment is around 4,500, with a similar number of majors to choose from
Undergraduate enrolment at Butler University is around 4,500, with approximately 60 majors to choose from. The university offers a wide range of academic fields, including the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts, sciences, and health sciences. The health sciences major, for example, includes popular programs such as biology, biochemistry, and health sciences. Butler University also provides numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, with students like Michael Hannon pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychology and gaining hands-on internships.
The relatively small size of the university, with just over 5,000 students in total, allows for more personalised engagement and accessible professors. This is in line with the university's emphasis on individual attention for its students, with small class sizes and no teaching assistants. The university fosters a collaborative and stimulating intellectual environment, encouraging innovation and community engagement.
Butler University's total enrolment, including both undergraduate and graduate students, is approximately 5,700. The breakdown of undergraduate enrolment numbers shows around 4,500 students, with a specific figure of 4,519 given for the fall of 2023. This number is consistent with previous years, as indicated by a 2010 source mentioning a total enrolment of 4,500 students.
The university's size provides a balance between a close-knit community and diverse opportunities. With its location in Indianapolis, Indiana, students can take advantage of internships, co-ops, undergraduate research, public performances, and community partnerships. This real-world experience enhances their academic knowledge and prepares them for their future careers.
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The university has a strong focus on practical learning and small class sizes
Butler University, a private institution founded in 1855, has always focused on providing a world-class education to its students. With a current total undergraduate enrollment of around 4,500 to 5,000 students, the university fosters a collaborative and stimulating intellectual environment. The relatively small class sizes allow for more personal engagement with professors, who are always available to help. This accessibility is a key feature of the university's educational philosophy, which emphasizes the practicality of knowledge.
The university offers over 60 major academic fields of study within six colleges: arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and sciences, and health sciences. Within these broad disciplines, undergraduates can choose from over 80 majors, including popular programs such as marketing, finance, biology, and health sciences. Butler's core curriculum involves community engagement and cultural and social justice requirements, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.
The university's commitment to practical learning is evident in its emphasis on experiential and service learning. Over 75% of students complete internships, and about 40% study abroad, gaining valuable real-world experience and cultural exposure. The university also offers hands-on research opportunities, with programs like the Butler Summer Institute, where students receive funding to conduct independent research alongside faculty members. This focus on research is further strengthened by the Butler Institute for Research and Scholarship (BIRS), which received a $1 million grant to enhance student research initiatives.
Small class sizes at Butler University ensure that students receive individual attention from their professors. This personalized approach to education fosters a transformative learning environment, empowering students to become innovative, engaged leaders. The university's location in Indianapolis, Indiana, provides students with numerous opportunities to apply their knowledge through internships, co-ops, undergraduate research, public performances, and community partnerships. These experiences equip Butler graduates with the skills and working knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen careers, as evidenced by the high employment rate of 98% within six months of graduation.
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The campus size is around 300 acres, located in Indianapolis, Indiana
Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1855, it was named after its founder, Ovid Butler, who proposed the charter for a new Christian university in Indianapolis in 1850. The university has over 60 major academic fields of study within six colleges: arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and sciences, and health sciences.
The university currently enrols approximately 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students, with a total undergraduate enrolment of around 4,500 students. Butler University offers a range of opportunities for its students, including internships, co-ops, undergraduate research, public performances, and community partnerships. The university also emphasizes the practicality of knowledge and offers individual attention to students with its small class sizes and no teaching assistants.
With just over 5,000 students, Butler University is relatively small compared to other universities, allowing for more personal engagement and accessibility to professors. The university's focus on equity and academic excellence creates a collaborative and stimulating intellectual learning environment, fostering bold innovation and broad education to enrich communities and prepare learners for meaningful lives.
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The university is private and ranks highly in the Midwest for innovation and undergraduate teaching
Butler University, a private institution founded in 1855, currently has approximately 5,700 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programmes. The university has consistently ranked highly in the Midwest for innovation and undergraduate teaching.
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Butler University was ranked as the No. 1 Regional University in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. It was also recognised as the No. 1 Most Innovative School in the Midwest for the tenth year in a row. Additionally, the university ranked No. 1 for Undergraduate Teaching for the third consecutive year. These rankings are based on peer assessment surveys sent to university presidents, provosts, and admissions deans.
The university's commitment to innovation and undergraduate teaching is evident in its focus on providing a transformative learning environment for its students. Butler University prioritises individual attention for its students by maintaining small class sizes and offering various opportunities for hands-on learning. The university emphasises the practicality of knowledge, with every academic programme incorporating on-the-job, in-the-lab, or other experiential components.
Butler University also excels in its support for first-year students. The university has been recognised in the U.S. News First-Year Experiences category for initiatives such as the required First-Year Seminar, which fosters engagement with complex ideas and self-discovery. The university also provides year-long professional development opportunities for staff working with first-year students and incorporates relationship-rich peer mentorship into the curriculum.
The university's dedication to excellence in education is further demonstrated by its commitment to faculty and student research. The Butler Institute for Research and Scholarship (BIRS) received a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to enhance research opportunities for both faculty and students. Additionally, the university offers programmes like the Butler Summer Institute, a 10-week programme where students receive funding to conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member.
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Frequently asked questions
When Butler University opened in 1855, it likely had a small number of students, but the exact number is unknown.
Unfortunately, there is no exact information on the number of students enrolled in the early years of Butler University. However, it is known for being a small university with a focus on personal engagement and accessible professors.
Yes, the student population at Butler University has changed over time. While it started as a small university, it now enrolls approximately 5,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students.
As of fall 2023, Butler University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,519 students, with a total student population of around 5,000 including graduate students.
With around 5,000 students, Butler University is considered relatively small compared to other universities. This smaller size allows for more personalized attention and engaging class environments.











































