Arkansas vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Arkansas is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Arkansas vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas 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 Arkansas ($10,182 vs. $18,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 22% lower than at University of Arkansas ($11,112 vs. $14,244).
• University of Arkansas is 2.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $204 more per year; $10,104.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.1% higher at Arkansas than at Murray State University (about $10,130 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of Arkansas (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 61% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($14,178 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas 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 Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 70 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Arkansas (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Arkansas vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas 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).

• University of Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University and Arkansas graduates have the same median loan debt ($21,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Murray State University and Arkansas graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($222 vs. $222).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.