Murray State University Overview

Murray State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Murray, KY. It has an enrollment of 6,744 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 85.16%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $11,226. Tuition is $9,252.00 without financial aid.

Murray State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Murray State University, 74.66% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Murray State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

Murray State University Website

Murray State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 85.16%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1156.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 24.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Murray State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $11,226. The in-state tuition is $9,252.00. Out-of-state tuition is $18,528.00

The average tuition is:

• $8,986, when family income is less than $30,000

• $7,928, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $11,625, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $14,603, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $14,896, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 39.79% of students received a federal student loan and 31.37% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $18,528.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Murray State University Net Price Calculator

Murray State University Majors/Salaries

Murray State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Murray State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,048
• Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,213
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,569
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,382
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Master’s Degree) – $44,971
• Information Science/Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,856
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,775
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $59,485
• Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,615
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $37,980
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,384
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,448
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $39,814
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $42,495
• Engineering Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,964
• Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,969
• Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. (Master’s Degree) – $79,473
• Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,439
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,284
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,228
• Research and Experimental Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,119
• Community Organization and Advocacy. (Master’s Degree) – $32,925
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,212
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $15,182
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,485
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,459
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $56,641
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,142
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $162,817
• Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,806
• Business/Commerce, General. (Master’s Degree) – $59,485
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,091
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,221
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,284
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685

Murray State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Murray State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.19%
• Asian: 0.90%
• Black: 5.86%
• Hispanic: 2.46%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.07%
• Non-resident alien: 5.65%
• Two or more races: 2.92%
• Unknown: 4.06%
• White: 77.88%

At Murray State University, 9.59% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Murray State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Murray State University?

Murray State University has a very strong school spirit culture. The campus atmosphere at Murray State is known for its welcoming nature, with students, faculty, and staff all taking pride in the university. The university offers a wide range of student organizations and clubs that cater to different interests, which allows students to engage with their peers and get involved in campus activities. Additionally, Murray State is home to a highly rated NCAA Division I athletics program, which contributes to a strong “town and gown” culture between the university and the community. Overall, Murray State University has a reputation for being a student-centered institution with a strong community spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Murray State University?

There are several popular extracurricular activities at Murray State University, which include: 1. Greek life 2. Student organizations and clubs (such as Debate Team, Pre-Law Society, and Student Government Association) 3. Intramural sports 4. Volunteer and service programs 5. Music and theater productions 6. Honors Programs 7. Career services and internships Additionally, Murray State University has a thriving sports program, with several varsity sports teams that students can participate in or support as spectators.

How are the food choices at Murray State University?

Murray State University offers a variety of food choices for students to enjoy. There are several dining options available, including traditional dining halls, cafes, and food trucks. The traditional dining halls offer a variety of cuisine options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, and meal plans are available for students who live on campus. Additionally, there are several cafes on campus that offer light bites, coffee, and snacks. Food trucks offer an exciting option, featuring menus from local restaurants. Murray State’s food options are regularly updated, and students often have access to fresh and healthy options.

Is there Greek life at Murray State University?

Yes, Murray State University has a Greek Life community with several fraternities and sororities on campus. There are currently 14 Greek organizations that are a part of the Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic Council. The Greek community at Murray State participates in various events and activities throughout the year and provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community service.

What is Murray State University known for?

Murray State University is known for its strong programs in teacher education, nursing, business, and agriculture. It is also recognized for its commitment to undergraduate research opportunities, with over half of its students participating in research projects. The university is located in Murray, Kentucky, and has a beautiful campus that includes a 200-acre arboretum and a lake for recreational activities.

What are the most popular school clubs at Murray State University?

There are various school clubs available at Murray State University, catering to a wide range of interests and hobbies. However, some of the most popular clubs at the university are: 1. Student Government Association (SGA): SGA represents and advocates for the student body and provides leadership opportunities and programming on campus. 2. Campus Activities Board (CAB): CAB plans and executes a variety of events and activities on campus to promote student engagement and community building. 3. Greek life organizations: There are several social Greek life organizations on campus, including fraternities and sororities, which offer opportunities for networking, community service, and social events. 4. Honors and academic clubs: Murray State University has a variety of honors societies and academic clubs, such as the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Student Council for Exceptional Children, which offer opportunities for academic recognition, career networking, and professional development. 5. Cultural clubs: The university also hosts several cultural clubs, including the African Caribbean Student Association and the International Student Association, which promote diversity and cultural exchange on campus.

Is the campus at Murray State University safe?

Murray State University has a very safe campus. According to the Annual Campus Security Report, the crime rate at Murray State is relatively low compared to other universities in Kentucky. The university’s Department of Public Safety has a number of programs and services in place to promote safety on campus, including a 24/7 campus police force, emergency alert systems, and safety escorts. Additionally, the university works closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.