IWU vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN 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 IWU based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is located in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1; Murray State University 17:1.

IWU vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($10,182 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 2.2% lower than at Murray State University ($10,868 vs. $11,112).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 226.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $22,452 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.1% higher at IWU than at Murray State University (about $12,516 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion as at Murray State University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 51% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($21,405 vs. $14,178).

IWU vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 10 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

IWU vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,604 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,104).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($222 vs. $249).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 55%)

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.