Murray State University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Murray State University in Murray, KY with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 10,020 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Murray State University 17:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 11.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,112 vs. $12,582).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.1% higher at WKU than at Murray State University (about $7,164 more per year; $27,000 vs. $19,836).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($14,178 vs. $10,921).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 4 points higher at Murray State University than at WKU (22 vs. 18, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Murray State University and WKU.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Murray State University average a 3.57 high school GPA, 0.15 higher than at WKU (3.42).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($222 vs. $250).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation (57% vs. 47%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.