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University of Kentucky vs Murray State University

University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, KY, and Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY. Murray State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 93% at University of Kentucky. Murray State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,096 a year against $18,851 at University of Kentucky. About 71% of students graduate at University of Kentucky, compared with 60% at Murray State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Kentucky alumni earn a median of about $59,025, against $44,737 for Murray State University.

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public

Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Lexington, KY
Murray, KY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
24,763
6,688
Acceptance rate
93%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.58 avg
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,851
$9,096
Full cost / yr
$34,391
$23,485
In-state tuition
$13,502
$9,900
Out-of-state tuition
$34,140
$19,836
Application fee
$50
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,182
$6,242
$30k - $48k
$12,119
$6,347
$48k - $75k
$16,313
$8,104
$75k - $110k
$21,192
$12,811
Over $110k
$26,781
$15,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
60%
Freshman retention
87%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,266
$38,473
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,025
$44,737
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
33%
First-generation students
23%
34%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
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 University of Kentucky or Murray State University harder to get into?
Murray State University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Kentucky. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Kentucky or Murray State University?
Murray State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,851 at University of Kentucky. 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 University of Kentucky and Murray State University?
Before aid, Murray State University costs about $23,485 a year and University of Kentucky about $34,391. 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, University of Kentucky or Murray State University?
Murray State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,242 there, against about $12,182 at University of Kentucky. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Kentucky or Murray State University?
University of Kentucky is the larger of the two, with about 24,763 undergraduates against 6,688 at Murray State University.
Does University of Kentucky or Murray State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Kentucky has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 60% at Murray State University.
Do graduates of University of Kentucky or Murray State University earn more?
University of Kentucky alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,025 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,737 for Murray State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Kentucky and Murray State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Kentucky 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 University of Kentucky and Murray State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at University of Kentucky 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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