Murray State University

Murray State University is located in Murray, KY, and offers a distinctive educational experience. It holds the #14 position in Regional Universities South (tie) according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #6 in Top Public Schools. The school features a rural setting and serves 8,281 undergraduate students. Admissions are welcoming to a broad range of applicants, with an acceptance rate of 86%. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 960-1190 and ACT scores of 19-26. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.6. A 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides an environment conducive to individualized academic attention. About 58% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Popular majors among students include Business and Management (18%), Agricultural / Animal / Plant / Veterinary Science and Related Fields (12%), and Health Professions (11%). Graduates in Business and Management earn a median salary of $47,257 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $11,072. Approximately 49% of students complete their degree within four years.