University of South Alabama vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 19:1; Murray State University 17:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South 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 University of South Alabama ($10,182 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 2.2% lower than at University of South Alabama ($11,112 vs. $11,366).
• University of South Alabama is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $216 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at Murray State University than at University of South Alabama (about $744 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of South Alabama (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 52% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($14,178 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South 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 University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 20 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming University of South Alabama 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 South Alabama 970/1190; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

University of South Alabama vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South 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).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama 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, Murray State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 45%)

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.