Murray State University vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with University of Memphis in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Memphis is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Murray State University vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University or Memphis? 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 Memphis ($10,182 vs. $12,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 2% lower than at University of Memphis ($11,112 vs. $11,342).
• University of Memphis is 8.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $828 more per year; $10,728.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at Murray State University than at University of Memphis (about $4,452 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of Memphis (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 20.2% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($14,178 vs. $11,793).

Murray State University vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Murray State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Murray State University vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University and Memphis? 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 University of Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Memphis earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 37%)

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.