Public Institution

Murray State University — Murray, Kentucky

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Annual Tuition $9,708

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 86.2%

Open Admission

Enrollment 6,646

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,737

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Murray, Kentucky
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Murray State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Murray, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,646 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Murray State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Murray State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
16%

Enrollment Share

Agriculture
14.3%

Enrollment Share

Education
8.6%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
8%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
7.5%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
5.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Agriculture College

The Agriculture program at Murray State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Murray State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Murray State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 86.2%
Difficulty Low

Murray State University maintains an acceptance rate of 86.2%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 38.2%
Women Enrollment 61.8%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 480 - 600
SAT Mathematics 470 - 590
ACT English 19 - 27
ACT Mathematics 17 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Murray State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,708
Out-of-State Tuition $19,452

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 31.4%
Median Student Debt $20,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,708, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,737, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Kentucky.

What salary can Murray State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,737

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 59.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $9,121
Median Salary (6yr) $38,473
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Murray State University in Murray?

6,646 Students

Gender Comparison

38.2% Men
61.8% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

76.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Asian
0.8%
Black
6.1%
White
79.1%
Unknown
3.9%
Hispanic
3.1%
Two or More Races
3.2%
International
3.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 34%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 59.6%
🎖️
Veterans 0.5%
💍
Married Students 8%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 20%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $48,948
Average Family Income $59,538
Median Family Income $46,064

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.9%
51.1%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Murray Campus Environment

Located at 218 Wells Hall, Murray State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Kentucky. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Murray State University

Is Murray State University a good college in Murray, Kentucky?
Murray State University is a recognized institution in Murray with an enrollment of 6,646 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Kentucky based on Department of Education data.
Is Murray State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Murray State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,737. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Murray State University cost for Kentucky residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Murray State University is approximately $9,708. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,452. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Murray State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Murray State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 59.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Murray State University good for Business & Marketing and Agriculture programs?
Murray State University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Agriculture programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Murray State University?
Graduates of Murray State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $44,737, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Murray State University?
Murray State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Murray State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Murray State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Murray State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Murray State University earn a median salary of $44,737 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Murray State University a good investment compared to other KY colleges?
Murray State University stands out as a high-value investment in Kentucky. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Murray State University located and what is the campus like?
Murray State University is located at 218 Wells Hall in Murray, KY. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 6,646 learners.
Who typically attends Murray State University in Murray, KY?
The student body at Murray State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 34% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Kentucky

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Murray State University with other leading institutions in Kentucky across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
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B
Business Administration
C
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M
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P
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E
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C
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S
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A
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M
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C
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F
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B
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M
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P
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F
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I
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I
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C
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J
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G
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C
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D
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L
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A
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E
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L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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