Murray State University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Murray State University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Murray State University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University ($10,182 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 5.8% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,112 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 250.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $24,800 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.9% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Murray State University (about $14,864 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 98.1% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($28,090 vs. $14,178).

Murray State University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Murray State University or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University and Murray State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Murray State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carson-Newman University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Murray State University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Carson-Newman 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 Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,380 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($222 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.