Shorter vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Murray State University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Shorter vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter or Murray 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 Shorter ($10,182 vs. $16,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 10.7% lower than at Murray State University ($9,920 vs. $11,112).
• Shorter University is 148.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $14,730 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.2% higher at Shorter than at Murray State University (about $4,794 more per year; $24,630.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University as at Murray State University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shorter University students is 33% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($18,862 vs. $14,178).

Shorter vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 60 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 Shorter).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Shorter vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter and Murray 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).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Shorter University's (47%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $6,918 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($21,500 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($222 vs. $293).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 38%)

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.