Alabama vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Alabama vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 Alabama ($10,182 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 26% lower than at The University of Alabama ($11,112 vs. $15,016).
• The University of Alabama is 23% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $2,280 more per year; $12,180.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.3% higher at Alabama than at Murray State University (about $14,336 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at The University of Alabama (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($17,503 vs. $14,178).

Alabama vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 230 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Alabama vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $245).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.