ISU vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Illinois 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: Illinois State University 19:1; Murray State University 17:1.

ISU vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($10,182 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 5.5% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,112 vs. $11,754).
• Illinois State University is 63.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $6,244 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.2% higher at ISU than at Murray State University (about $8,374 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 9.3% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($14,178 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

ISU vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.