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Murray State University

#527 in US ranking Murray, KY
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$22,404
Tuition & fees
$11,320
Avg. aid
$11,179
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
86%
SAT range
940–1170
ACT range
19–26

Outcomes

Graduation rate
61%
Median salary
$42,340
1 yr after graduation

What does Murray State University offer in terms of athletics?

Murray State's Racers compete in NCAA Division I athletics. The university is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference for many varsity sports, while football competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Varsity opportunities include sports such as basketball, football, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and golf. A varsity roster is different from a club team or an intramural league: varsity participation involves team selection and NCAA rules, while recreational opportunities are designed for a broader group of students. Students interested in playing should check the current sport-specific roster or campus recreation offerings rather than assume that every sport listed among student activities has a varsity team or offers athletic aid.

What student groups and Associations are available at Murray State University?

Murray State students can participate in organizations centered on governance, academic interests, culture, service and performance. Examples include the Student Government Association, the International Student Organization, the Racer Band and student ambassador activities.

Greek-letter organizations and councils, including the National Pan-Hellenic Council, provide another form of involvement. Students interested in media or the arts can also look into the student newspaper, student radio, theater productions and choral groups. Organization membership, meeting schedules and recognition can change, so the current student-organization directory is the best way to find an active group and its contact information.

Who studies at Murray State University?

Murray State enrolls roughly 10,020 students. Its student body includes first-time undergraduates, transfer students and students at later stages of study, rather than only residential freshmen.

The reported first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate intake is 1,562, alongside 523 incoming transfer students. About 62% of students are reported as Kentucky residents and 36% as coming from other U.S. states; approximately 3% are from other countries. These rounded geographic categories should not be added as though they were exact headcounts.

Students ages 18-21 make up a substantial portion of enrollment, but the university also serves older learners. Reported counts include 662 students ages 25-29 and students in higher age brackets. Published race and ethnicity counts identify White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, multiracial and other students; those counts should not be taken as a complete description of any student's identity or campus experience.

How does student life look like at Murray State University?

Everyday life at Murray State combines a residential campus with a sizable commuting population. The reported shares are 34% living on campus and 66% commuting, so class schedules, travel time and evening activities may shape how students connect with peers.

Orientation, student activities and common campus spaces provide ways to meet people outside class. Campus recreation offers another route for participation without joining a varsity team. Students can also seek health care and personal or psychological counseling through university services. For a commuter, adult learner or transfer student, the practical question is whether the activities and support they want are available at times - and, where relevant, locations - that fit their schedule.

What libraries are available to students at Murray State University?

Waterfield Library is Murray State's main academic library. Students can use library study space and seek assistance finding scholarly sources for coursework and research; reservable study rooms are available.

The university reports three campus libraries in total. Library services extend beyond physical shelves through research databases and other electronic materials, while access to specialized collections or borrowing services depends on library policy. Students planning late study sessions should check current building hours: the reported library arrangements do not include a study area open around the clock on a regular five- or seven-day schedule.

Murray State University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

10020

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1488

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

432 full time, 95 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Murray State University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 7,851
Graduate: 2,169

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 6,724
Part-time: 3,296

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 931
Men: 557

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 261
Black or African American: 365
White: 5,264
American Indian or Alaska Native: 7
Asian: 55
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 1
Two or more races: 250
Unknown: 213

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Murray State University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Archery

–Both–

Baseball

MenMenMen

Basketball

BothBothMen

Bowling

–BothWomen

Cheerleading

Both––

Crew

Both––

Cross-country running

BothBoth–

Equestrian sports

Both––

Fencing

–MenWomen

Field hockey

–Women–

Football

MenMenMen

Golf

BothBothMen

Racquetball

–Both–

Riflery

BothBothMen

Rowing

Both–Women

Rugby

–Men–

Soccer

WomenWomenWomen

Softball

WomenWomen–

Swimming and diving

–BothWomen

Table tennis

–Both–

Tennis

WomenWomen–

Track and field

WomenWomen–

Ultimate Frisbee

–Both–

Volleyball

WomenWomen–

Water polo

–Both–

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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