ATU vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than ATU based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 8,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Arkansas Tech 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 Tech University 17:1; Murray State University 17:1.

ATU vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU 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 ATU ($10,182 vs. $12,626).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas Tech University are 7% lower than at Murray State University ($10,338 vs. $11,112).
• Murray State University is 14.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $1,226 more per year; $9,900.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.2% higher at Murray State University than at Arkansas Tech University (about $5,168 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $14,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Arkansas Tech University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 43.2% larger than aid received by Arkansas Tech University students ($14,178 vs. $9,901).

ATU vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ATU 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 ATU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 70 points higher than at ATU (990).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at ATU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at ATU (3.37).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

ATU vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU 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 Tech University's (43%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than ATU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($17,750 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($183 vs. $222).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ATU 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.