Murray State University vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Murray State University vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State University ($10,182 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 8.4% lower than at Murray State University ($10,176 vs. $11,112).
• Murray State University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $601 more per year; $9,900.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.9% higher at Murray State University than at South Dakota State University (about $7,027 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 216.9% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($14,178 vs. $4,474).

Murray State University vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 90 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 South Dakota State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Murray State University vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and South Dakota State 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,616 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($222 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.