Murray State University vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tarleton State University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Tarleton State University is in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Tarleton State University 20:1.

Murray State University vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton ($10,182 vs. $16,159).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tarleton State University are 1.7% lower than at Murray State University ($10,920 vs. $11,112).
• Murray State University is 19.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $1,598 more per year; $9,900.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at Murray State University than at Tarleton State University (about $1,694 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Tarleton State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 78.8% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($14,178 vs. $7,929).

Murray State University vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Murray State University or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton and Murray State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tarleton 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 Tarleton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• Tarleton has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

Murray State University vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($204 vs. $222).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tarleton students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 56%)

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.