About Murray State University
Murray State builds strong agricultural, nursing, and education programs for its 6,646 students in small-town Kentucky. The university has produced notable graduates including NBA player Jeff Green and MLB player Pokey Reese. Students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that creates personal connections with professors. The campus sits in a town-distant setting where community ties run deep and school spirit centers around the Racers athletic teams.
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,594 annually while those making $30,000-$48,000 pay $5,703. Graduates earn a median of $44,737 ten years after starting college. Students leave with $20,500 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $217. The 96.6% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly after earning their degrees.
Murray State accepts 84% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students. Women make up 62% of the student body while 79% of students are white. The Missouri Valley Conference provides Division I competition across 14 sports with 360 student-athletes competing. About 61% of students come from Kentucky, creating a regional identity that strengthens campus community bonds.
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,594 annually while those making $30,000-$48,000 pay $5,703. Graduates earn a median of $44,737 ten years after starting college. Students leave with $20,500 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $217. The 96.6% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly after earning their degrees.
Murray State accepts 84% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students. Women make up 62% of the student body while 79% of students are white. The Missouri Valley Conference provides Division I competition across 14 sports with 360 student-athletes competing. About 61% of students come from Kentucky, creating a regional identity that strengthens campus community bonds.
Academics & Faculty
Murray State University centers its academic mission around practical, career-focused programs that serve regional needs. The university particularly excels in agriculture, nursing, and teacher education, preparing graduates for in-demand roles across Kentucky and the broader region. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive meaningful attention from professors who know them by name. However, the 59.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The university's semester system allows for deep dives into coursework, while its regional public university model emphasizes hands-on learning over research. Students benefit from small class sizes that foster close relationships with faculty mentors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.5%
- Retention Rate
- 76.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,737
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $162,817 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $79,473 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $66,969 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $59,485 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,485 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,142 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,641 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,775 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
Campus Life
Murray sits 120 miles from Nashville and 150 miles from Louisville, making it feel genuinely rural. The 6,646 students spread across a compact campus where 46% live in dorms, creating tight bonds between classmates. Kentucky's humid continental climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering August move-ins.
The Racers compete in Division I athletics with 14 sports drawing passionate crowds, especially for basketball games at the CFSB Center. Students flock to Kentucky Lake just 15 minutes away for weekend boating, fishing, and beach volleyball. With 61% of students from Kentucky, the campus feels like an extended family where professors know your name. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio makes classes personal rather than anonymous lectures. Downtown Murray offers coffee shops and local restaurants within walking distance. Greek life provides social structure, while intramural sports and over 100 student organizations keep weekends busy. The agriculture and nursing programs create practical, hands-on learning environments that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
The Racers compete in Division I athletics with 14 sports drawing passionate crowds, especially for basketball games at the CFSB Center. Students flock to Kentucky Lake just 15 minutes away for weekend boating, fishing, and beach volleyball. With 61% of students from Kentucky, the campus feels like an extended family where professors know your name. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio makes classes personal rather than anonymous lectures. Downtown Murray offers coffee shops and local restaurants within walking distance. Greek life provides social structure, while intramural sports and over 100 student organizations keep weekends busy. The agriculture and nursing programs create practical, hands-on learning environments that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 3,052 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1922
Campus Safety (2023)
33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–45°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 108.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,547.0"
Student Demographics
Murray State draws students who value affordability and strong regional programs. With 61% from Kentucky, the university has built solid name recognition across the Commonwealth. Women make up nearly two-thirds of students, reflecting the school's popular nursing and education programs that traditionally attract female students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking quality education without crushing debt. The student body skews heavily white at 79%, typical for rural Kentucky universities. These students often choose Murray for its agricultural programs, tight-knit campus culture, and Division I athletics that create school pride.
- Men
- 38.2%
- Women
- 61.8%
- White
- 79.1%
- Black
- 6.1%
- Hispanic
- 3.1%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 61.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.4%
Location
Murray sits in far western Kentucky, about 120 miles northwest of Nashville and 150 miles southeast of St. Louis. This town of roughly 19,000 residents doubles as a classic college town where the university shapes daily life. The campus sprawls across rolling farmland in the Jackson Purchase region, an area known for agriculture and outdoor recreation. With 61% of students coming from in-state, Murray draws heavily from Kentucky's rural communities. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area lies just 30 minutes east, offering 170,000 acres of forests and waterways. The setting feels authentically small-town American, where everyone knows the Racers basketball schedule. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Murray State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,737
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,259
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Murray State University?
Murray State University accepts 83.98% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1078. The university welcomes students seeking a supportive regional campus experience in western Kentucky.
How much does Murray State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,121 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $5,594. The typical graduate leaves with $20,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $217.
What is Murray State University known for academically?
Murray State maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs in agriculture, nursing, and education. The university serves 6,646 students who benefit from the personal attention typical of regional public institutions.
How much do Murray State University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $44,737 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 96.6%. The university's 59.50% six-year graduation rate reflects its focus on working-class students from Kentucky and surrounding states.
Where is Murray State University located and what is campus life like?
Murray sits in a small Kentucky town with housing for 3,052 students on campus. The close-knit community of 6,646 students creates the intimate atmosphere Murray State is known for, with 61.84% female enrollment.
Does Murray State University compete in Division I athletics?
Murray State fields 14 varsity sports in the Missouri Valley Conference with 360 total athletes. The Racers distribute $5,163,117 in athletic scholarships, maintaining the competitive Division I tradition that defines campus culture.
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