Murray State University vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stephen F Austin State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Murray State University vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or SFASU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Murray State University than SFASU ($10,182 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 15.5% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($11,112 vs. $13,144).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $1,228 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at SFASU than at Murray State University (about $3,590 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Stephen F Austin State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 32.6% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($14,178 vs. $10,694).

Murray State University vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Murray State University or SFASU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SFASU and Murray State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephen F Austin State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at SFASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Murray State University vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and SFASU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Stephen F Austin State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.