About

About Murray State University

public masters universityaccessible admissionshealth and education focusmid sized community

Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY, known for its public masters university, accessible admissions, and health and education focus. With an acceptance rate of 84%, MSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,366 students each year. MSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 950–1190, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. MSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,569 per year; the sticker price of $33,986 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Murray State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

84%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1070
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 950 – 1190 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Murray State University

Application Strategy
Murray State admits the vast majority of applicants, so a solid GPA and a complete application are your most important assets here. Make sure your transcript shows an upward trend or consistent strong performance in core academic subjects.
Application Strategy
Murray State has strong programs in agriculture, nursing, and engineering technology that set it apart in western Kentucky, so if one of these fields matches your interests, name the specific program in your application materials to show you have researched what Murray State offers.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Murray State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$34k/yr$6.2k
30k-48k~$34k/yr$6.3k
48k-75k~$34k/yr$8.1k
75k-110k~$34k/yr$12.8k
110k+~$34k/yr$15.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

60%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$38k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
6,552
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

78%White
6%Black / African American
4%International
4%Two or More Races
4%Hispanic
3%Unknown / Unreported
1%Asian
0%American Indian / AK Native
Gender40% Men · 61% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status96% Citizens and Immigrants · 4% International
MSU, Murray Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch