Murray State University vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Johnson University 12:1.

Murray State University vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Johnson 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 Johnson University ($10,182 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 10.9% lower than at Murray State University ($9,900 vs. $11,112).
• Johnson University is 113.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $11,222 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Johnson University than at Murray State University (about $1,286 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Johnson University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 21.9% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($14,178 vs. $11,630).

Murray State University vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 20 points higher than at Johnson University (1040).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Johnson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Johnson University (3.52).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

Murray State University vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $120 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($21,380 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($221 vs. $222).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.