Murray State University
About Murray State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Murray State University is a public university in Murray, Kentucky. It consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the South and offers programs in education, agriculture, business, and nursing.
Founded
1922
Location
Murray, Kentucky
Students
8,857
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
85.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
61.3%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$9,900
Out-of-state: $19,836
Avg Net Price
$9,096
After financial aid
SAT Average
1133
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,737
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Murray State University accepts the majority of applicants at 85.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1133/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
61.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.7%
4-Year Grad
37%
6-Year Grad
56%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
81.8%
$/Student
$10.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 37% graduation rate is below average, but 75.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,900
In-State
$19,836
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,112
Books & Supplies
$940
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,485
After Financial Aid
$9,096
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,242
Receive Grants
33.3%
Take Loans
35.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,485/yr for in-state students, including $11,112 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $9,096. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,836.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Murray State University fund their education.
While in School
33.3%
Get Grants
Free money
35.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$46,064
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 35.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Murray State University.
Gender
60.5%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,688
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,169
Graduates
34%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
8.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 34% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
6,688
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Murray State University fields 10 varsity teams with 424 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Missouri Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
424
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
44% / 56%
187
Men
237
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Murray State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,737
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
$45K
125 grads
1yr Earnings
Animal Sciences
—
109 grads
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
$34K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$37K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$42K
90 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
85 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Murray State University
What is the acceptance rate at Murray State University?▾
How much does Murray State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Murray State University?▾
How much do Murray State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.