Murray State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 6,688 students.
About This School
Murray State University is a public institution located in Murray, Kentucky with approximately 6,688 undergraduate students enrolled. Murray State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 86%. The average net price after financial aid is $9,096 per year. The graduation rate is 61%, and the typical graduate earns $42,300 within 10 years of enrollment.
Murray State University (MSU) is a public university in Murray, Kentucky, United States. In addition to the main campus in Calloway County in southwestern Kentucky, Murray State operates extended campuses offering upper-level and graduate courses in Paducah, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, and Henderson.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $9,121/year average net price and $15,000 median debt at graduation, Murray State is genuinely affordable, and it's a reasonable fit for students who want a small public university feel in western Kentucky without breaking the bank. However, the 60% graduation rate and 76% freshman retention rate suggest a meaningful chunk of students don't finish — worth asking honestly whether the support systems and program fit are right for you before enrolling. Median earnings of $42,300 a decade out are modest, so students should be strategic about choosing a program with clear career pathways rather than assuming the degree alone will pay off.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 25% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,688 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY · Public
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY · Public
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · Public
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY · Public
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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