Founded in 1922, Murray State University. is a Public college. Located in Kentucky, which is a city setting in Kentucky, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 8,877 full time undergraduate students, and 1,609 full time graduate students.
The Murray State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 446 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Murray State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
85%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
943-1155
ACT Range
21-27
Admissions at MSU are considered Less Selective, with ,95% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
75% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 41% were in the top quarter, and 17% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Murray State University.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
63%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
25%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
74%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
29%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
23%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
60%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
11%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
72%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
14%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
16%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
75%
“There might be people who do”
8%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
63%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
25%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
74%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
29%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
23%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
60%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
11%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
72%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
14%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
206 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
155 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
235 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
244 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
244 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
244 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
244 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
243 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.
Murray State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Murray State University?
71 Students rated Murray State University
Purslane - 02/19/2025
When I first visited Murray State University, I immediately fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere it provided. The dorm rooms seem very comfortable, the campus and the surrounding area seem very safe, which is very important to me, the food is good... everything seems like a place I would love to stay. I don't attend the college yet, but am committed and very excited to experience it this fall.
Makensey - 02/10/2025
It has been a very enjoyable experience so far and I have only been here for one full semester so far. The students and faculty are overall very friendly. Just like any school you go to there are going to be a few unpleasant people and professors that you do not get along with. I have enjoyed it thus far.
Madison - 03/31/2024
I love the big campus look in a small city. So many things are close or in walking distance. The faculty is very friendly and approachable. You will feel like you belong in a safe and friendly university community. Murray State focuses on student success and want to make sure that students are ready for the career they have chosen.
Jaden - 03/23/2024
Murray has a lot of issues. For one they barely take care of living conditions on campus. Dorms are falling apart and housing is limited. Parking is awful due to limited parking spaces. A lot of food poisoning from Winslow Dining Hall. The buildings are not upkept and need renovations and maitenence. The school would rather make it look pretty on the outside by buying million dollar statues and planting flowers rather than taking to the time to maintain the buildings. The staff in the financial aid department refuse to help. A lot of people have to drop out due to financial aid being taken away and the department refusing to work with them on it. There is also the lawsuit about paying people off to silence them that the university just lost and had to pay over $400,000. Overall Murray State University needs to take a long look at itself because if it keps doing what it is now then in a few years they will not be around anymore.
Taygan - 02/08/2024
When I visited the university the staff was very friendly. My tour guide was insightful and knowledgeable. I really liked the dorms and felt safe while there. I was not a big fan of the parking. The parking seemed a congested. I was able to meet with a director of business and he was very knowledgeable and answered a lot of questions.
Xavier - 01/06/2024
I am a full-time student at Murray State University in Murray, Ky. My first impression of the school was that the campus is just big enough to enjoy without being so big that you get lost. They are regionally accredited. The tuition is average for the state. The school offers scholarships to help students financially. Every teacher and staff member is very helpful and responds quickly to questions and concerns. Murray State offers an unlimited meal plan and the cafeteria has a wide variety of foods that taste decent. There is a Chick-fil-A and a Starbucks on campus also. The campus feels safe overall and the police station is located on the edge of its border. The classes are a reasonable size and the workload is challenging without being overwhelming. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years. I share a small dorm room with one roommate. It is older than other universities, and the heat/AC system needs to be updated, but we make do. The wifi is top quality. The whole floor shares a large restroom/shower. Other campus housing is set up differently, such as private rooms or private restrooms, so you can pick what works for you. There are a lot of fraternities and sororities students can join. We have several sports teams to join as well. There is always a fun game or event going on campus to keep you entertained. Murray State has a rodeo team and an equestrian team. They have a great ROTC program. The parking is a bit cramped. It is hard to find a spot close to where you need to be. The town of Murray surrounding the campus is very limited in its selection of restaurants and shopping, but some are within walking distance from Murray State. I would recommend any high school senior interested in a medium-sized, moderately priced school to take a tour.
Courtney - 07/27/2023
Personally Murray State University is an amazing school and I would recommend it to anyone. They do their best to get students to become active in the school and community. They also like having fun and work very hard to keep students in school no matter if there is a financial problem or not.
Lauren - 01/04/2023
I am so happy about my time at Murray State! The professors are very knowledgeable on their subject matter, and the class content is great. I feel like the textbooks required for each class are worthwhile and even enjoyable to read. We actually end up reading the entire book, which makes the purchase worth it to me.
Boaz - 12/10/2022
I like Murray State University for a number of reasons, but the two main reasons are the small class sizes and the variety of clubs available to students.
First of all, I love the small class sizes at Murray State. As a student, I find that I learn much better in a smaller, more intimate setting. With smaller class sizes, I have the opportunity to ask more questions, have more one-on-one time with my professors, and feel more comfortable participating in class discussions. This has helped me to learn more, retain more information, and do better in my classes.
In addition to the small class sizes, I also appreciate the variety of clubs available at Murray State. As a student who is interested in engineering, I am excited to be a part of the Applied Engineering Club. This club provides opportunities for me to learn more about engineering, network with other engineering students and professionals, and participate in hands-on projects and competitions.
But Murray State also offers a wide range of other clubs that I find equally appealing. For example, I am also interested in the Boxing Club and the Fencing Club. These clubs provide a great way to stay active and meet new people.
All in all I am happy with my college choice and the price is definitely a plus. If you get a 30 on the ACT you pretty much go for free.
McKinsey - 03/31/2021
Murray is a good starter school for incoming freshmen. they are very big on athletics, so if you play a sport this is the school for you. the professors are extremely smart which is a good thig, but can also be a bad thing. A lot of them have a hard time getting the material across but they go out of their way to make themselves available to you.
Emily - 03/01/2021
Murray State has that home sweet home feeling that most students are looking for. There is always something to do and people to meet, so you'll never get bored! Class sizes are perfect and I've never met a professor who didn't try to help when you needed it. If you're looking for a place to call home while getting a top notch education, MSU is the place for you! SHOES UP!
Sarah - 09/14/2020
I enjoyed Murray State. There is such a beautiful campus. I will surely be looking at this school when I am applying to college soon. There was a lot of academic opportunities as well as campus housing. I think overall that Murray State University has a lot to over to me.
Emily - 07/29/2020
Murry is a wonderful school with a great community. It allows access to many amazing opportunities and can't wait for my four years as a racer. The staff truly cares about the students and the extracurricular activities are exceptional and there's something for everyone. the campus is easily navigated and safe. This is a cheap school that offers more opportunities than most.
Gillian - 05/28/2020
Murray state university is overall a beautiful campus which offers small sized classes where professors are able to focus more on their students. This helps the class as a whole have a higher chance at succeeding in our program of choice. The overall compassion reflected by each professor and teaching assistants is phenomenal which really makes learning something students can look forward to.
Whitley - 05/22/2020
The campus is beautiful. They have excellent programs for all varieties of majors. I haven't had a bad experience with any professor; they are all so generous and caring and truly want you to succeed. The athletics is incredible. There are tons of scholarship opportunities and extracurricular activities to get involved in as well.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Murray State University is 85%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Don't stress out about college. There are tons of people who can help you with the transition and they are very helpful. Classes aren't as hard as you think they would be, at least your first semester. Take classes you need to take, but also take some that you will be very interested in or you will be dreading going to class every morning. Make sure you get involved on campus. No matter what interests you, there is most likely a club, team, organization, etc. that you can get involved in. You will make friends, even if you don't know anyone who is attending the same school. There are thousands of people on campus. At least one will like you for you.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
The people/students who are potential college graduates are well driven and organized. One must may not be intemidated by others but must have faith and be well rounded. One must be able to attend class and be able to be self taught. Ones that are not goal orienated and willing to take on challeges are not fit for college.
This school is amazing for the people who love the small town feel on campus. It is a short walk to anywhere on campus and there are tons of things to do. The school offers any activity you could think of and it is incredibly easy to get involved and make the most out of your time in college so it is awesome for anyone who likes to have fun, no matter how you have fun. Murray State would be a great college for anyone to attend, which is why I especially love going here.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The community! Murray State is a smaller school located in a really small town. It is really easy to get to know people at school and in the local community. Our campus is beautiful and the classes are great. I really brag about how pretty it is and how many nice and fun people I have met and befriended. With the combintation of a pretty campus, good community and great schooling, why wouldn't I brag?
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Murray State is truly a home away from home! Not only are you in a home environment with your fellow students and faculty, but the community also serves as a big brother to all the students at Murray State. I am in a sorority and we have adult advisors that help us with anything like finding a job, homework, a hot meal, being sick etc. My parents have felt much more at ease with me having a few people almost like extended family to count on in emergencies.!
Murray State is probably best known for its basketball team. They are awesome! The games are intense and so exciting to be a part of in the stands. The school may also be best known for its residential college set up. Instead of dorms, students living on campus live in residential colleges. Each building acts like its own college, with its own college head and intermural sports teams that compete against each other.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
One of the biggest things on campus is Greek life. We have a very active Greek life on campus. As well as many different religious groups that are pretty popular. We have a weekly movie night of foreign films which is widely favored.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
Coming from a suburb of St. Louis, many people believe Murray State is for people who want to engage their careers with Agriculture and farming. I don't think many people even know the great education Murray State provides and the many times Murray State has been rated as a top school in the nation with the lowest tuition price. Yes, a lot of people that go to school here are from the south and yes, some do fit the stereotype, but most of the people that go here are from either the area or one of the states surrounding Kentucky. There are a lot of right wing conservatives and there is a distinct indication that you are in the bible belt. There is a club and personalities that fit everyone's needs. Honestly, I don't think that I would have been happier going anywhere else.
Murray Kentucky is a small area. When you venture off campus there are chain restaurants and some small private owned shops. We do not have a mall, but there is a movie theater, bowling ally, and also a skating rink. There is also downtown Murray where there are more antique shops and places to eat.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
99% of students attending Murray State University receive some sort of financial aid.
36% were awarded federal grants.55%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
