Murray State University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Murray State University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University than Murray State University ($9,211 vs. $10,182).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 12.6% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($11,112 vs. $12,712).
• Northern Kentucky University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $1,188 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at NKU than at Murray State University (about $2,076 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 37.2% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($14,178 vs. $10,332).

Murray State University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 10 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at NKU (3.42).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Murray State University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($222 vs. $257).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU 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.