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$6,630Tuition
1,517Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,545Earnings
#23 in OklahomaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Murray State College

Murray State College draws students from across rural Oklahoma who want hands-on training without the frills of a four-year university. The 1,517 students here focus on practical programs that lead directly to jobs in agriculture, nursing, and skilled trades. This community college sits in Tishomingo, deep in Oklahoma's countryside, where students get personal attention with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $15,071, which covers everything from tuition to room and board. Graduates earn a median of $36,545 ten years out, making this a reasonable investment for career training. Most students graduate with just $13,387 in debt, keeping monthly loan payments at a manageable $142. The employment rate hits 94.2%, meaning nearly all graduates find work quickly.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 72.6%, reflecting strong nursing and education programs. The Aggies compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 215 total athletes sharing $885,466 in athletic scholarships. Most students are Oklahomans, with 86.6% coming from in-state. The 30.5% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their two-year programs.

Academics & Faculty

Murray State College operates as a traditional community college serving rural Oklahoma with a focus on agricultural and technical programs that match the region's workforce needs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 30.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family obligations. The college is known for its agriculture programs, nursing preparation courses, and skilled trades training that prepare students for local industries. With 72.6% of students being women, the college particularly attracts those seeking healthcare and education pathways. The semester calendar system allows students to complete certificates and associate degrees at a manageable pace.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,545

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,318
Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $32,029
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $25,658
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. Associate $25,194

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

Small-town Oklahoma means wide open spaces and true four-season weather requiring both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. Tishomingo sits about 90 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland that define the Sooner State's rural character. With housing capacity for only 400 students out of 1,517 enrolled, just over a quarter of students live on campus in residence halls that create a tight-knit community feel.

The Aggies compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 215 total athletes receiving $885,466 in athletic scholarships, making game days significant social events in this small college town. Women outnumber men nearly 3-to-1 at 72.58%, creating a campus active that shapes everything from classroom discussions to weekend activities. Students often gather at local spots in downtown Tishomingo or make weekend trips to larger cities like Durant or Ada for shopping and entertainment. The agricultural program heritage runs deep here, with many students pursuing career-focused degrees that connect directly to Oklahoma's farming and ranching traditions.
Setting
Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity
400 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 3 3 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–52°F
July Avg
70°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
42.5"
Annual Snowfall
2.0"

Student Demographics

Murray State draws students from across Oklahoma and neighboring states who want practical career training at an affordable price. About nine in ten students come from Oklahoma, reflecting the college's strong ties to rural communities throughout the state. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body, largely due to popular nursing and education programs that attract female students. The college serves a diverse mix of students, with significant Hispanic enrollment reflecting the changing demographics of southern Oklahoma. Most students work while attending classes, balancing education with family and job responsibilities in small-town settings.
Men
27.4%
Women
72.6%
White
63.7%
Black
2.9%
Hispanic
13.3%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
86.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.7%

Location

Murray State College sits in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, roughly 120 miles southeast of Oklahoma City in the state's rural southeastern corner. The campus serves a remote area where 86.64% of students come from in-state. Tishomingo operates as a small town surrounded by rolling hills and lakes near the Texas border. The region offers outdoor recreation opportunities around Lake Texoma and the Arbuckle Mountains. Students experience true small-town college life with a housing capacity of 400 on a campus that feels connected to Oklahoma's agricultural heritage. The Aggies compete in NJCAA athletics with 10 varsity sports programs. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Murray State College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460
Administration with North Lawn at Murray State College
Administration with North Lawn at Murray State College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,545
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,620
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,500
Loan Repayment Rate
37.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$142/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,387

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Murray State College?

Murray State College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 1,517 students in rural southeastern Oklahoma. The school focuses on providing accessible higher education opportunities for local students, with 86.64% of enrollment coming from in-state.

How much does Murray State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,071 annually, with in-state tuition at $6,630 and out-of-state at $10,830. Only 28.66% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the relatively low sticker price without extensive assistance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Murray State College?

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonably personalized attention in this rural setting. Murray State College operates on a semester system and focuses on career-oriented programs that serve the agricultural and technical needs of southern Oklahoma.

What are employment outcomes like for Murray State College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.2% employment rate, though median earnings after 10 years reach $36,545. The 30.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing their programs while balancing work and family responsibilities.

Where do students live at Murray State College?

The campus houses 400 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $7,546 annually. As the Aggies compete in 10 NJCAA varsity sports with 215 total athletes, the college maintains a tight-knit rural campus atmosphere in Tishomingo.

Is Murray State College known for serving a particular type of student?

The college serves a predominantly female student body at 72.58%, reflecting trends in community college enrollment nationwide. With 63.74% white students and 13.25% Hispanic students, Murray State College serves the diverse rural communities of southeastern Oklahoma near the Texas border.