Auburn vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Auburn University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (34,145 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Auburn University is located in Auburn, AL (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Auburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Auburn University 21:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Auburn vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Auburn 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 Auburn ($10,182 vs. $25,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 33.2% lower than at Auburn University ($11,112 vs. $16,626).
• Auburn University is 30.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $2,990 more per year; $12,890.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.1% higher at Auburn than at Murray State University (about $15,086 more per year; $34,922.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Auburn University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 30.4% larger than aid received by Auburn University students ($14,178 vs. $10,872).

Auburn vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Auburn 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 Auburn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Auburn University (1330) is 270 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Auburn students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 1260/1390; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Auburn University 26/31; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Auburn - Required; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Auburn Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Auburn students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Auburn (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.1% at Auburn vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Auburn vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Auburn 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).

• Auburn University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Auburn University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University and Auburn graduates have the same median loan debt ($21,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Murray State University and Auburn graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($222 vs. $222).
• More Auburn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

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.