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Colleges / KY / Murray
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Murray State University

Public Murray, KY · Town · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
60%
Graduation Rate
$44,737
Earnings (10yr)
$9,096
Net Price
86%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Murray State University is a great fit for students who are looking for a welcoming environment and solid academic programs. With an acceptance rate of 86%, it's accessible for many, making it an appealing choice for those who want to pursue degrees in fields like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Education, Humanities, and Biology & Biomedical. The university's focus on these areas means that students can expect a supportive community as they dive into their studies.

After graduation, students can anticipate earnings around $44,737 a year, which is a reasonable starting point for many. This figure reflects the practical skills and knowledge students gain during their time at Murray State. While we don't have specific mobility data, the overall affordability of the university is noteworthy. With a net price of $9,096, it remains an attractive option for those looking to manage their educational costs effectively.

When we talk about the financial aspects, the median debt of $20,500 is manageable, especially considering the potential earning power after graduation. The university also has a Pell Grant rate of 33%, which can help lower the cost for many students. Those who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a supportive campus culture and are motivated to succeed in their chosen fields.

Rankings

How Murray Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation60%Earnings 10yr$45KNet Price$9KRetention76%Median Debt$21KPell Grant Rate33%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$6K$0-30K$6K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$15K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%841.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1703.6%MOBILITY143.43%

Cost & Financial Aid

$9,900
In-State Tuition
$19,836
Out-of-State
$9,096
Avg Net Price
$20,500
Median Debt
33%
Pell Grant Rate
35%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$6,242
Family Income $0–$30K
$6,347
Family Income $30K–$48K
$8,104
Family Income $48K–$75K
$15,450
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$38,473
6 Years After Entry
$41,104
8 Years
$44,737
10 Years
0.46x
Debt-to-Earnings
59%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$38,473 6yr $41,104 8yr $44,737 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

143.43%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1703.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
841.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$79,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.57
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.1%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 86%
Retention Rate 76%
SAT Average 1133
ACT Midpoint 24
SAT Range 940–1170
ACT Range 19–26
Full-Time Faculty 82%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,855
Diversity Index 0.38
First-Gen Students 34%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 16%
Health Professions 11%
Education 9%
Humanities 8%
Biology & Biomedical 4%
Computer Science & IT 4%
Psychology 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%