Skip to content

University of the Cumberlands vs Murray State University

University of the Cumberlands is a private university in Williamsburg, 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 99% at University of the Cumberlands. Murray State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,096 a year against $14,107 at University of the Cumberlands. About 60% of students graduate at Murray State University, compared with 48% at University of the Cumberlands. Ten years after enrolling, University of the Cumberlands alumni earn a median of about $45,036, against $44,737 for Murray State University.

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY · Private

Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Williamsburg, KY
Murray, KY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,941
6,688
Acceptance rate
99%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1160
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
19–26
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,107
$9,096
Full cost / yr
$25,567
$23,485
In-state tuition
$9,875
$9,900
Out-of-state tuition
$9,875
$19,836
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,736
$6,242
$30k - $48k
$11,147
$6,347
$48k - $75k
$12,572
$8,104
$75k - $110k
$16,441
$12,811
Over $110k
$18,846
$15,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
60%
Freshman retention
74%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,046
$38,473
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,036
$44,737
Median debt at graduation
$14,911
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
53%
33%
First-generation students
40%
34%
International students
2%
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 University of the Cumberlands or Murray State University harder to get into?
Murray State University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of the Cumberlands. 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 the Cumberlands or Murray State University?
Murray State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,107 at University of the Cumberlands. 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 the Cumberlands and Murray State University?
Before aid, Murray State University costs about $23,485 a year and University of the Cumberlands about $25,567. 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 the Cumberlands or Murray State University?
Murray State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,242 there, against about $10,736 at University of the Cumberlands. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of the Cumberlands or Murray State University?
University of the Cumberlands is the larger of the two, with about 6,941 undergraduates against 6,688 at Murray State University.
Does University of the Cumberlands or Murray State University have a better graduation rate?
Murray State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 48% at University of the Cumberlands.
Do graduates of University of the Cumberlands or Murray State University earn more?
University of the Cumberlands alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,036 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,737 for Murray State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of the Cumberlands and Murray State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of the Cumberlands is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Murray State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of the Cumberlands and Murray State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1160 at University of the Cumberlands 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school