University of West Alabama vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than University of West Alabama based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• University of West 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 West Alabama 19:1; Murray State University 17:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West 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 West Alabama ($10,182 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 25.9% lower than at Murray State University ($8,230 vs. $11,112).
• University of West Alabama is 11% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $1,090 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at University of West Alabama than at Murray State University (about $254 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of West Alabama (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 56.9% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($14,178 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 70 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

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

How do outcomes compare for University of West 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 West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Murray State University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $4,989 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $273).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 36%)

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.