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Murray State University vs Northern Kentucky University

Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY, and Northern Kentucky University is a public university in Highland Heights, KY. Northern Kentucky University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 86% at Murray State University. Northern Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,191 a year against $9,096 at Murray State University. About 60% of students graduate at Murray State University, compared with 50% at Northern Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $50,220, against $44,737 for Murray State University.

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Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Murray, KY
Highland Heights, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,688
8,246
Acceptance rate
86%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.3–3.8
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1170
953–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
18–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,096
$8,191
Full cost / yr
$23,485
$19,725
In-state tuition
$9,900
$11,088
Out-of-state tuition
$19,836
$21,912
Application fee
$40
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,242
$2,603
$30k - $48k
$6,347
$3,630
$48k - $75k
$8,104
$6,761
$75k - $110k
$12,811
$12,679
Over $110k
$15,450
$14,522
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
50%
Freshman retention
76%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,473
$42,105
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,737
$50,220
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
25%
First-generation students
34%
38%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Murray State University or Northern Kentucky University harder to get into?
Northern Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% 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, Murray State University or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $9,096 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Murray State University and Northern Kentucky University?
Before aid, Northern Kentucky University costs about $19,725 a year and Murray State University about $23,485. 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, Murray State University or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,603 there, against about $6,242 at Murray State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Murray State University or Northern Kentucky University?
Northern Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 8,246 undergraduates against 6,688 at Murray State University.
Does Murray State University or Northern Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
Murray State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 50% at Northern Kentucky University.
Do graduates of Murray State University or Northern Kentucky University earn more?
Northern Kentucky University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,220 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,737 for Murray State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Murray State University and Northern Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
Murray State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northern Kentucky University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Murray State University and Northern Kentucky University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1170 at Murray State University and 953–1150 at Northern Kentucky 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school