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Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$38,473

Acceptance Rate

86%

Graduation Rate

59%

Annual Tuition

$9,708

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $44,737 ten years after entry — 17% below the national median. Acceptance rate 86.2%, average SAT score 1133, in-state tuition $9,708.

At a Glance

Total Students

6,646

Retention Rate

76%

Faculty Ratio

16

Financial Aid

37%

Median Debt

$20,500

Campus Setting

Town

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,133

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

480–600

SAT Math (middle 50%)

460–570

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

19–26

Institution Overview

Murray State University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 86.2%. The university enrolls 6,646 students and has a retention rate of 76.1%. The graduation rate is 59%. The median debt for students is $20,500, and 36.6% of students receive financial aid.

The in-state tuition at Murray State is $9,708. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $38,962. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $38,473, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $44,737.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$39k

1 YEAR

$38k

5 YEARS

$45k

10 YEARS

Top 76% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Murray State University alumni earn a median of $38,962. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease slightly to $38,473. However, ten years after graduation, median earnings increase to $44,737. The median debt for graduates is $20,500.

Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 86.2% and a graduation rate of 59%. The university retains 76.1% of its students. The in-state tuition is $9,708, and 36.6% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other

Graduates 165 / yr
Median Salary $57,089

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 148 / yr
Median Salary $44,467

Business/Commerce, General

Graduates 142 / yr
Median Salary $65,188

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Graduates 138 / yr
Median Salary $34,304

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 127 / yr
Median Salary $185,872

Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

Graduates 123 / yr
Median Salary $33,536

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Graduates 91 / yr
Median Salary $38,054

Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians

Graduates 84 / yr
Median Salary $99,473

Social Work

Graduates 71 / yr
Median Salary $31,692

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services

Graduates 58 / yr
Median Salary $47,646

Biology, General

Graduates 50 / yr
Median Salary $25,914

Research and Experimental Psychology

Graduates 47 / yr
Median Salary $23,674

Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Graduates 43 / yr
Median Salary $58,970

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 38 / yr
Median Salary $54,022

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 37 / yr
Median Salary $43,320

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 37 / yr
Median Salary $47,734

Special Education and Teaching

Graduates 36 / yr
Median Salary $36,197

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 35 / yr
Median Salary $40,804

Educational Administration and Supervision

Graduates 34 / yr
Median Salary $53,881

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 31 / yr
Median Salary $42,322

Music

Graduates 30 / yr
Median Salary $34,098

Fine and Studio Arts

Graduates 28 / yr
Median Salary $21,715

Marketing

Graduates 25 / yr
Median Salary $45,042

Community Organization and Advocacy

Graduates 24 / yr
Median Salary $43,235

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Campus Location

Murray, Kentucky

Murray, KY 42071-3318

Murray State University is located in Murray, Kentucky. The campus is in a town setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 86.2%.