BSU vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Ball 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: Ball State University 14:1; Murray State University 17:1.

BSU vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU 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 BSU ($10,182 vs. $13,599).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 9.9% lower than at Ball State University ($11,112 vs. $12,334).
• Ball State University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $1,182 more per year; $11,082.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.4% higher at BSU than at Murray State University (about $9,794 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($14,178 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU 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 BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 110 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming BSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Murray State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at BSU (3.52).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than BSU (85.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

BSU vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.