Murray State University: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at MSU

About

Murray State University is a public university in Murray, Kentucky. It is the second-largest university in Kentucky, home to over 10,000 students from the United States and 46 countries. Murray State offers over 146 bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral programs, as well as an English Language Program for international students. The university is also a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a group of 55 leading public liberal arts colleges in the United States.

What is the acceptance rate of the Murray State University?

The acceptance rate for international students at Murray State University is 86%. Tuition fees for international students at Murray State University vary depending on the program you are studying and the number of credit hours you are taking. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay around $14,000 per year for tuition and fees.

The following is the breakdown of the tuition fees according to the programs:

Bachelor's degree: $14,058 per year
Master's degree: $8,070 per year
Doctoral degree: $10,719 per year

In addition to tuition, you will also need to pay for housing, meals, books, and other expenses. The total cost of attendance for international students at Murray State University can vary depending on your individual circumstances, but it is typically around $26,000 per year.

Murray State University is ranked #2173 in the world according to the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university is also ranked #25 in the Regional Universities South category by U.S. News & World Report.

Top Reasons to Study in the Murray State University

Academic excellence: Murray State is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the United States. The university offers over 146 bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral programs and an English Language Program for international students.
Vibrant campus life: Murray State has a vibrant campus life with various student organisations, clubs, and activities. The university also has an NCAA Division I athletic program.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Murray State is committed to diversity and inclusion. The university has a diverse student body from all over the world.
Affordable tuition: Murray State has affordable tuition rates, especially for in-state students.
Small class sizes: Murray State has a student-to-faculty ratio 16:1, which means you will get the individualised attention needed to succeed.
Hands-on learning: Murray State offers a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships, field studies, and research projects.
Career preparation: Murray State's Career Development Center offers a variety of resources to help you prepare for your career, such as resume writing workshops, mock interviews, and job search assistance.
Location: Murray State is in Murray, Kentucky, a small town with a friendly atmosphere. The university is also within driving distance of several major cities, such as Nashville, Louisville, and Cincinnati.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

86%

Application Fee

$50 - $100

How to Apply at Murray State University

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
The application fee is $75 (non-refundable).
Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:

Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE or Duolingo
Personal statement/Essay writing
Two letters of teacher recommendation
International Financial Aid Statement of Intent

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
The application fee is $75 (non-refundable).
Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:

Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE or Duolingo
Personal statement/essay writing
Transfer Report Form
Two letters of teacher recommendation
Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to Murray State University

Undergraduate Students

Complete the Common Application from their official website
Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
SAT/ACT scores
Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.
Personal statement/Essay writing
Two letters of recommendation
Financial documentation
Resume or curriculum vitae
Additional Documents:

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
I-20 Form
Passport
Visa

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

Complete the Common Application from their official website
Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
GRE/GMAT scores
Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.
Personal statement
Three letters of recommendation
Resume or curriculum vitae (Relevant work experience)
Additional Documents:

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
I-20 Form
Passport
Visa
Portfolio

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation

Exams Accepted By Murray State University

Undergraduate Students

Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
5

Campus locations
Kentucky

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

Bicycle: Murray State University is a bike-friendly campus, and many bike racks are on campus. You can also use the Murray Calloway Transit Authority (MCTA) to get around town on your bike.
Walking: Murray State University is a relatively small campus, so it is easy to get around on foot. There are also many sidewalks and crosswalks throughout campus, making walking safe.
MCTA: The Murray Calloway Transit Authority (MCTA) offers bus service throughout Murray and the surrounding area. The MCTA has several bus routes that stop near Murray State University, making getting to and from campus easy.
Taxi: Several taxi companies in Murray can provide transportation to and from campus. Taxis can be expensive, but they are a convenient option to get somewhere quickly.
Uber: Uber is a ride-sharing service that is available in Murray. Uber can be more affordable than taxis, but it is essential to know the surge pricing that can occur during peak times.
Lyft: Lyft is another ride-sharing service that is available in Murray. Lyft is similar to Uber in terms of pricing and availability.

Services offered by the university

Academic advising: Murray State University has a team of academic advisors who can help students plan their coursework and choose suitable classes for their major.
Career development: Murray State University's Career Development Center offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for their careers, such as resume writing workshops, mock interviews, and job search assistance.
Financial aid: Murray State University offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
Health services: Murray State University's Health Services offers various health services to students, such as wellness visits, treatment for illness and injury, and mental health counselling.
Housing and dining: Murray State University offers a variety of housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and houses. The university also offers a variety of dining options, including a campus dining hall, a coffee shop, and several restaurants.
Student activities: Murray State University offers a variety of student activities, such as clubs, organisations, and intramural sports. The university also hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and sporting events.

Student life at Murray State University

Residential colleges: Murray State has a residential college system, meaning students are assigned to a residential college when they first arrive on campus. Residential colleges are small communities within the university, and they offer a variety of activities and events for students.
Clubs and Organisations: Murray State has over 300 student clubs and organisations, which allow students to participate in various activities, such as sports, hobbies, music, and social justice.
Intramural sports: Murray State offers a variety of intramural sports for students, including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. Intramural sports are a great way to stay active and have fun with friends.
Athletics: Murray State has an NCAA Division I athletic program, which includes 16 varsity sports. The Murray State Racers compete in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
Greek life: Murray State has a strong presence of over 20 fraternities and sororities. Greek life is a great way to get involved on campus and make lifelong friends.
Events: Murray State hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and sporting events. These events are a great way to meet new people and have fun on campus.

On campus accomodation at Murray State University

Residence halls: Murray State has 10 halls, accommodating over 4,000 students. Residence halls are typically single-sex, and they offer a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads.
Apartments: Murray State also offers limited apartments for upper-class students. Apartments are typically two-bedroom, two-bathroom units offering more privacy and space than residence halls.
Houses: Murray State also offers limited houses for upper-class students. Houses are typically four-bedroom, four-bathroom units, offering the most privacy and space of all the on-campus housing options.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:16

University Faculty Stats

Number of faculty: Murray State University has over 1,000 full-time faculty members.
Faculty-to-student ratio: The student-faculty ratio at Murray State University is 16:1.
Average faculty salary: The average faculty salary at Murray State University is $65,000.
Faculty diversity: Murray State University's faculty is diverse, with over 50% of faculty members identifying as women and over 20% identifying as minorities.
Faculty research: Murray State University's faculty are actively engaged in research, with over $10 million in research funding awarded each year.
Faculty awards: Murray State University's faculty have won numerous awards for their teaching, research, and service.

Career Opportunities

Internship opportunities at Murray State University

Internships: Murray State University offers a variety of internship opportunities for students, both on-campus and off-campus. On-campus internships can be found through the university's Career Development Center, while off-campus internships can be found through the university's website or online job boards.
Part-time jobs: Murray State University also offers a variety of part-time job opportunities for students, such as working in the library, the dining hall, or the bookstore. Part-time jobs can be found through the university's Career Development Center or website.

Additional Resources

Murray State University Career Development Center: The Career Development Center offers a variety of resources to help students find internships and part-time jobs, such as job postings, resume writing workshops, and mock interviews.
Murray State University Job Board: The Murray State University Job Board lists a variety of internship and part-time job opportunities on and off campus.
Online job boards: Several online job boards list internships and part-time job opportunities, such as Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder.

Placement of Murray State University

Job placement

According to Murray State University's Career Development Center, 90% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

Hiring companies

Government: The government is a significant employer of Murray State University graduates, with jobs in education, healthcare, and social services.
Business: The business sector is also a significant employer of Murray State University graduates, with jobs in accounting, finance, and marketing.
Education: The education sector is another major employer of Murray State University graduates, with jobs in teaching, administration, and counselling.

Salaries

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Murray State University graduate is $45,000.