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Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318

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Campus Vibe

College townGreek lifeSports culture

Known for business — excellent value

Murray State University is a public institution in Murray with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1110, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 6.6K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

60% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,737 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $9,121.

Established
1922
Mascot
Racer One (live mascot)Dunker (costumed)
Type
Public university
Conference
NCAA Division I ranks (for football
Division
Division I
86%Acceptance
1110SAT Avg
6,646Students
16:1Student:Faculty
60%Grad Rate
$44,737Earnings 10yr
$9,121Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Murray State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate86.2%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1110

Reading & WritingMid: 550
480600
MathMid: 530
470590

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 24
1926

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

86.2%

Trend

SAT Avg

1110

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,708
Tuition (out-of-state)$19,452
Room & Board$10,594
Books & Supplies$900
Total Cost of Attendance$21,475
Average Net Price$9,121
Median Debt at Graduation$20,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$217

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$5,594
$30–48K$5,703
$48–75K$9,616
$75–110K$13,423
$110K+$14,282

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$9,121

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6300.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

43

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (144)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
6,646
Gender Split
62% / 38%
Women / Men
First Generation
34%
Pell Grant Recipients
31%

Race & Ethnicity

White 79%
Black 6%
Hispanic 3%
Asian 1%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 4%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate59.5%
Freshman Retention76.1%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$38,473
8 Years$41,104
10 Years$44,737

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$37,000
Men
$49,700

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Racers

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

88Low

Estimated from KY state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Nashvillepop. 690K
91 mi(158 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
173 mi(300 min)
Indianapolispop. 880K
248 mi(430 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Murray State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications