Murray State University vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Murray State University vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or KSU? 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 KSU ($10,182 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 16.4% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,112 vs. $13,287).
• Murray State University is 70.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $4,092 more per year; $9,900.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Murray State University than at Kennesaw State University (about $2,100 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 72.4% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($14,178 vs. $8,223).

Murray State University vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 50 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 KSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 38% at KSU.

Murray State University vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $300 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($21,200 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($219 vs. $222).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 53%)

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.