Kentucky vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Kentucky 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 Kentucky 18:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Kentucky vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 Kentucky ($10,182 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 30.6% lower than at University of Kentucky ($11,112 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 36.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $3,602 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.1% higher at Kentucky than at Murray State University (about $14,304 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 9.9% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($14,178 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 120 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Kentucky 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 Kentucky 1070/1290; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Kentucky vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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 Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($222 vs. $235).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.