Murray State University delivers exceptional affordability that places it among the top 10% of public universities nationwide for value-conscious families.
With remarkably low net prices across all income levels and a perfect track record of graduate loan repayment success, the university provides accessible higher education without financial risk.
Murray State University ranks among the most affordable public universities in the nation, with net prices that place it in the top 10% nationally for value-conscious families. Located in Murray, Kentucky, this medium-sized public university serves as an "Opportunity Builder" institution, providing solid access to higher education while delivering meaningful career outcomes for graduates across diverse backgrounds.
The university particularly excels at affordability, with low-income students paying just $5,594 annually and middle-income families facing costs of only $9,616 per year. Even high-income families pay a modest $14,282, making Murray State one of the most budget-friendly options among public universities nationwide. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants and 34% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class Kentucky families.
While Murray State's graduates earn a median of $44,737 ten years after enrollment, the university's true strength lies in its exceptional affordability and solid program offerings in high-demand fields like nursing, where graduates earn $58,142, and specialized technical programs that can reach $66,969 in early-career earnings. For families prioritizing cost control while still accessing quality higher education, Murray State represents outstanding value in the regional public university landscape.
Murray State University's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused education that serves regional workforce needs effectively. The university's strongest returns come from its health sciences programs, particularly Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 100 students annually with median earnings of $58,142. This program represents both scale and quality, combining substantial enrollment with strong financial outcomes that justify the investment.
Technical and specialized programs offer the highest earning potential, with Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology graduates earning $66,969 in early career. These specialized fields demonstrate how Murray State serves niche workforce needs while providing premium earning opportunities for students willing to pursue focused technical training.
The university's program mix reflects its regional mission, balancing high-return professional programs with broader liberal arts offerings. While some fields like Forensic Social Work start at $29,212, reflecting the service-oriented nature of certain career paths, the overall portfolio provides students with clear pathways to stable middle-class careers. Murray State's approach prioritizes practical skills and regional workforce alignment over pursuing the highest possible earnings, making it an ideal choice for students seeking reliable career preparation at an affordable price point.
Murray State University graduates earn a median of $44,737 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. While this figure reflects the university's regional focus and program mix, graduates in key professional fields achieve substantially higher earnings that demonstrate the value of strategic major selection.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing and technical programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 100 graduates, earn a median of $58,142 and generate the highest aggregate return for the institution. At the top end, Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology graduates earn $66,969, showing how specialized technical programs can deliver premium earnings. However, outcomes vary significantly by field, with some programs like Forensic Social Work starting at $29,212, reflecting the diverse career paths and salary ranges across Murray State's academic portfolio.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education that serves regional workforce needs. With 199 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Murray State demonstrates that a significant portion of students achieve strong financial outcomes, particularly those who choose high-demand professional programs. The university's approach focuses on preparing students for stable, middle-class careers rather than pursuing the highest possible earnings, which aligns well with its mission as an accessible regional institution serving Kentucky and surrounding areas.
Murray State University stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in the United States, with net prices that rank in the top 10% nationally for value. Low-income students pay just $5,594 per year, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families face annual expenses of only $9,616. Even high-income families pay a modest $14,282, making Murray State accessible across all income levels and eliminating the financial barriers that often prevent students from completing their degrees.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Murray State graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $20,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,066. These figures are reasonable given the university's low sticker prices and strong financial aid programs. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes Murray State particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and predictable debt loads. With median earnings of $44,737 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment, and the university's loan repayment trajectory shows that borrowers make steady progress paying down their balances. The institution's commitment to affordability means families can pursue higher education without taking on excessive financial risk, making it an ideal choice for cost-conscious students who want to minimize debt while still accessing quality programs.
Murray State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
