Murray State University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Lee University 13:1.

Murray State University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Lee 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 Lee University ($10,182 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 9% lower than at Murray State University ($10,110 vs. $11,112).
• Lee University is 140.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $13,890 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at Lee University than at Murray State University (about $3,954 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 9.1% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($15,467 vs. $14,178).

Murray State University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 80 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Murray State University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Lee 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 Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.