Murray State University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Murray State University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or GVSU? 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 GVSU ($10,182 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 3.8% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($11,112 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 52.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $5,240 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at GVSU than at Murray State University (about $1,712 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 26.7% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($14,178 vs. $11,188).

Murray State University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Murray State University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.