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Eastern Kentucky University vs Murray State University

Eastern Kentucky University is a public university in Richmond, KY. Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants and Murray State University about 86%, making Eastern Kentucky University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,096 a year at Murray State University after aid, and about $11,040 at Eastern Kentucky University. About 60% of students graduate at Murray State University, compared with 50% at Eastern Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Eastern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $45,795, against $44,737 for Murray State University.

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Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · Public

Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Richmond, KY
Murray, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
12,318
6,688
Acceptance rate
78%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1080
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
19–26
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,040
$9,096
Full cost / yr
$23,735
$23,485
In-state tuition
$10,320
$9,900
Out-of-state tuition
$21,230
$19,836
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,591
$6,242
$30k - $48k
$8,005
$6,347
$48k - $75k
$10,382
$8,104
$75k - $110k
$14,384
$12,811
Over $110k
$17,009
$15,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
60%
Freshman retention
77%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,611
$38,473
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,795
$44,737
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
33%
First-generation students
40%
34%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 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 Eastern Kentucky University or Murray State University harder to get into?
Eastern Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 86% at Murray State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Kentucky 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 $11,040 at Eastern Kentucky 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 Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University?
Before aid, Murray State University costs about $23,485 a year and Eastern Kentucky University about $23,735. 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, Eastern Kentucky University or Murray State University?
Murray State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,242 there, against about $8,591 at Eastern Kentucky University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Eastern Kentucky University or Murray State University?
Eastern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,318 undergraduates against 6,688 at Murray State University.
Does Eastern Kentucky University or Murray State University have a better graduation rate?
Murray State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 50% at Eastern Kentucky University.
Do graduates of Eastern Kentucky University or Murray State University earn more?
Eastern Kentucky University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,795 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,737 for Murray State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Eastern Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Murray State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1080 at Eastern Kentucky 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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