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 gives you a solid return for the money, with a net price near $9,000 a year against median debt of $20,500 you can pay down on a $44,737 salary ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is comfortable, and the 59.5% grad rate means most of you finish.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Nursing is the safest bet here: it pairs one of the higher salaries with the lowest debt of any top program, so you leave owing under $18,300 and earning above $58,000. Quality Control and Safety Technologies posts the highest earnings on the list at nearly $67,000, and Civil Engineering Technology and Computer Science both clear $53,000. Information Science is the value pick, landing around $50,000 with debt close to nursing's. These are technical and health fields, which fits a regional Kentucky market that rewards nursing, engineering tech, and IT skills.
The risk is what's not on this list. The strong earners are all applied technical and nursing degrees. If you enroll in a general liberal arts or education program, expect your outcome to sit closer to the $44,737 median or below, and that median is not high. A three-in-four retention rate also means one in four of you leaves after year one, and leaving with debt and no degree is the worst financial outcome here.
Murray State is a good fit if you come in aiming for nursing, computer science, or an engineering technology track and want low cost. Lower-income families get the best deal: under $48,000 in income, your net price runs around $5,600 a year. Above $110,000, you pay roughly $14,300 , still moderate for a four-year public school, but the discount for higher earners is small. Pick a technical or health major and this school pays off.
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.