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Bellarmine University vs Murray State University

Bellarmine University is a private university in Louisville, KY. Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY. Both admit about 86% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $9,096 a year at Murray State University after aid, and about $21,499 at Bellarmine University. About 66% of students graduate at Bellarmine University, compared with 60% at Murray State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bellarmine University alumni earn a median of about $62,069, against $44,737 for Murray State University.

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Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY · Private

Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Louisville, KY
Murray, KY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,161
6,688
Acceptance rate
86%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1250
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,499
$9,096
Full cost / yr
$61,691
$23,485
In-state tuition
$48,770
$9,900
Out-of-state tuition
$48,770
$19,836
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,430
$6,242
$30k - $48k
$19,358
$6,347
$48k - $75k
$17,391
$8,104
$75k - $110k
$21,987
$12,811
Over $110k
$29,194
$15,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
60%
Freshman retention
75%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,819
$38,473
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,069
$44,737
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
33%
First-generation students
27%
34%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bellarmine University or Murray State University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 86% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bellarmine University or Murray State University?
Murray State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,499 at Bellarmine University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bellarmine University and Murray State University?
Before aid, Murray State University costs about $23,485 a year and Bellarmine University about $61,691. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bellarmine University or Murray State University?
Murray State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,242 there, against about $18,430 at Bellarmine University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bellarmine University or Murray State University?
Murray State University is the larger of the two, with about 6,688 undergraduates against 2,161 at Bellarmine University.
Does Bellarmine University or Murray State University have a better graduation rate?
Bellarmine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 60% at Murray State University.
Do graduates of Bellarmine University or Murray State University earn more?
Bellarmine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,069 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,737 for Murray State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bellarmine University and Murray State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bellarmine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Murray State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Bellarmine University and Murray State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1250 at Bellarmine University and 940–1170 at Murray State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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