Overview
Founded in 1922 as a teachers' college in western Kentucky, Murray State University has grown into a comprehensive regional public institution recognized for its personalized undergraduate education and strong sense of community. Consistently ranked among top public regional universities in the South, the school built its reputation on rigorous teacher preparation, business, and health sciences programs, later expanding into agriculture, equine studies, and telecommunications systems management. Its small-town setting in Murray, Kentucky, fosters close faculty-student relationships and a supportive campus culture.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Murray, Kentucky |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Total students | 8,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 89% |
| Graduation rate | 54% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $25,900 |
| Room & board | $10,200 |
| Average financial aid | $11,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 94% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 960-1160 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Equine Science
- Journalism & Mass Communications
- Nursing
- Agriculture
- Business Administration
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.