Brenau University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA 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 Brenau University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Brenau University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau 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 Brenau University ($10,182 vs. $19,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 13.5% lower than at Brenau University ($11,112 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 243.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $24,127 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.5% higher at Brenau University than at Murray State University (about $14,191 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Brenau University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 85.7% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($26,325 vs. $14,178).

Brenau University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau 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 Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• Brenau University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Brenau University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau 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 Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 48%)

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.