Murray State University vs. Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Murray State University is larger than Northwest based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 9,152 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Northwest Missouri State University is in Maryville, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Northwest Missouri State University 16:1.

Murray State University vs. Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Northwest? 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 Northwest ($10,182 vs. $16,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 9.5% lower than at Northwest Missouri State University ($11,112 vs. $12,282).
• Northwest Missouri State University is 7.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $711 more per year; $10,611.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Murray State University than at Northwest Missouri State University (about $2,512 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Northwest Missouri State University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 55.8% larger than aid received by Northwest Missouri State University students ($14,178 vs. $9,101).

Murray State University vs. Northwest Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Missouri State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Northwest Missouri State University 976/1193.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Northwest Missouri State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Northwest - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Northwest (3.45).
• Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 22.2% at Northwest.

Murray State University vs. Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Northwest? 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 Northwest Missouri State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 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 Northwest graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Northwest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.