Murray State University vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Murray State University vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($10,182 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 25.7% lower than at Murray State University ($8,261 vs. $11,112).
• Union Commonwealth University is 212.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $21,046 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Murray State University (about $11,110 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University as at Union Commonwealth University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 90.2% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($26,961 vs. $14,178).

Murray State University vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Murray State University vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 42%)

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.