Arkansas State University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Arkansas State University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or Murray State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Murray State University than Arkansas State University ($10,182 vs. $12,410).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 3.8% lower than at Arkansas State University ($11,112 vs. $11,550).
• Murray State University is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $1,810 more per year; $9,900.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.6% higher at Murray State University than at Arkansas State University (about $5,314 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Arkansas State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($14,178 vs. $13,395).

Arkansas State University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or Murray State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Murray State University and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Arkansas State University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and Murray State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.