Murray State University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Murray State University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Bethel? 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 Bethel ($10,182 vs. $13,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 5.2% lower than at Murray State University ($10,538 vs. $11,112).
• Bethel University is 89% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $8,812 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at Murray State University than at Bethel University (about $1,124 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $18,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($17,700 vs. $14,178).

Murray State University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Murray State University or Bethel? 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 Bethel and Murray State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 80 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Murray State University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Bethel? 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 Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($21,500 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($222 vs. $292).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 33%)

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.