Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Murray, Kentucky |
| Online | murraystate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Murray State University is located in the rural western Kentucky city of Murray, approximately two hours north of Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1922 as a normal school, the institution operates on a 236-acre main campus characterized by Georgian-style architecture and tree-lined walkways. The university maintains a comprehensive academic program with particular strengths in business, education, nursing, and agricultural sciences, while also housing the Breathitt Veterinary Center, one of the region's significant animal diagnostic facilities. On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living options primarily serving undergraduate students. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Racers, participating in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Murray State University is rated within the lower 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Murray State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#704 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#241 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#3 in Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
#34 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 950/1190 |
| ACT | 19/26 |
| GPA | 3.57 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $1,272 |
| Room and Board | $10,594 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,717 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,919 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $1,272 |
| Room and Board | $10,594 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,717 |
| Total One Year Cost | $36,663 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 15% |
| Education | 15% |
| Health Professions | 12% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 10% |
| Communication | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Murray State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157401 IPEDS survey data for Murray State University.
Current students may use the Murray State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025