Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Racers
History & Fun Facts
- •On September 2, 1922, Murray was chosen as the site of the western normal school, while Morehead was chosen for the eastern normal school.
- •On November 26, 1922, John Wesley Carr was elected the first president of the Murray State Normal School by the State Board of Education.
- •Believing it had the authority to elect the president, the Normal School Commission picked Rainey Wells as the first president.
- •On May 15, 1923, the Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled for the State Board of Education, and Carr became Murray's first president.
- •Wrather West Kentucky Museum, the first building on MSU's campus Murray State Normal School opened on September 24, 1923.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1110
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
63.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-2.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Programs (144)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
76%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
43
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KY state average