Louisville vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Louisville is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (23,065 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Louisville is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Louisville 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 Louisville 14:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Louisville vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Louisville 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 Louisville ($10,182 vs. $19,785).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 11.6% lower than at University of Louisville ($11,112 vs. $12,576).
• University of Louisville is 32.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $3,236 more per year; $13,136.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.6% higher at Louisville than at Murray State University (about $9,646 more per year; $29,482.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of Louisville (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Louisville students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($14,677 vs. $14,178).

Louisville vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Louisville 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 Louisville.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Louisville (1160) is 100 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Louisville students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Louisville 1040/1270; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Louisville 19/27; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Louisville - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Louisville Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Louisville students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Louisville (79.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.1% at Louisville vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Louisville vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Louisville 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 University of Louisville's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Louisville earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Louisville graduates have a $1,844 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($19,656 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Louisville graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($203 vs. $222).
• More Louisville graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.