At $9,121/yr net price, Murray State University graduates earn $44,737/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,737/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,121 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,737/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,737/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,594/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,703/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,616/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,423/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,282/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $24,561 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $59,485 | $28,786 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,485 | $18,800 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,142 | $18,203 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,641 | $42,000 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $22,250 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $23,475 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $19,037 |
The Risk Factor
59.5% of students at Murray State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Murray State University delivers solid financial returns for a regional public school, with a low net price of $9,121 annually offsetting modest post-graduation earnings. Your median debt load of $20,500 stays manageable, creating reasonable payback scenarios for most graduates.
Nursing dominates the earnings environment here, with registered nursing graduates earning $162,817 annually. This program represents Murray State's strongest ROI proposition and justifies enrollment for anyone committed to healthcare careers. Business and educational administration graduates earn around $59,485, providing decent returns given the low debt loads in these programs.
The 59.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without completing your degree. The 76% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
Murray State works best financially if you plan to stay in Kentucky or nearby states where the degree carries regional recognition. The low sticker price makes it accessible for middle-class families who earn too much for substantial federal aid but cannot afford expensive private schools. With only 31% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships may be limited.
Avoid Murray State if you need extensive career services or alumni networks in major metropolitan areas. The modest median earnings suggest graduates primarily find work in smaller markets. You should also look elsewhere if you require significant financial aid beyond federal programs, as the school appears to offer limited institutional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murray State University worth the cost?
Murray State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $9,121 per year and moderate debt levels around $20,500. However, the 10-year median earnings of $44,737 are below national averages, making ROI depend heavily on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying programs at Murray State University?
Nursing programs at Murray State lead earnings potential, with registered nursing graduates earning around $162,817 after 10 years. Quality control and safety technology programs also perform well at $66,969-$79,473, while general business graduates earn a more modest $59,485.
How much debt do Murray State University students typically graduate with?
Murray State students graduate with a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many universities. The low annual net price of $9,121 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Should I attend Murray State University if I'm not studying nursing?
Murray State's ROI drops significantly outside of nursing and technical programs, with most other majors leading to below-average earnings. The 59.5% graduation rate also suggests completion challenges that could affect your investment return.