Murray State University vs Western Kentucky University
Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY, and Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. Murray State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 94% at Western Kentucky University. Murray State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,096 a year against $10,990 at Western Kentucky University. About 60% of students graduate at Murray State University, compared with 55% at Western Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Murray State University alumni earn a median of about $44,737, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Murray, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,688
12,155
Acceptance rate
86%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.3–3.8
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1170
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,096
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$23,485
$24,188
In-state tuition
$9,900
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$19,836
$27,000
Application fee
$40
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,242
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$6,347
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$8,104
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$12,811
$14,049
Over $110k
$15,450
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
55%
Freshman retention
76%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,473
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,737
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
30%
First-generation students
34%
36%
International students
4%
1%
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.
- Is Murray State University or Western Kentucky University harder to get into?
- Murray State University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 94% at Western Kentucky 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Murray State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $10,990 at Western 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 Murray State University and Western Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Murray State University costs about $23,485 a year and Western Kentucky University about $24,188. 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Murray State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,242 there, against about $7,087 at Western Kentucky 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 Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 6,688 at Murray State University.
- Does Murray State University or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- Murray State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 55% at Western Kentucky University.
- Do graduates of Murray State University or Western Kentucky University earn more?
- Murray State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,737 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Murray State University and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Murray State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Murray State University and Western Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1170 at Murray State University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Murray State University vs Northern Kentucky UniversityMurray State University vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityMurray State University vs University of LouisvilleWestern Kentucky University vs Northern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs University of Louisville
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