Murray State University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Murray State University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or WKU? 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 WKU ($10,182 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 11.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,112 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $1,752 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.1% higher at WKU than at Murray State University (about $7,164 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($14,178 vs. $10,921).

Murray State University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 110 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Murray State University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than WKU 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 $2,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($222 vs. $250).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 47%)

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.