Murray State University's published cost of attendance is $23,485. Net price varies meaningfully by family income: low-income families pay approximately $6,242, middle-income families pay around $8,104, and higher-income families pay approximately $15,450.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,485 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,836 |
| Room and Board | $11,112 |
| Books and Supplies | $940 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,389 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,096 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,242 |
| $30–48k | $6,347 |
| $48–75k | $8,104 |
| $75–110k | $12,811 |
| $110k+ | $15,450 |
Murray State University's published cost of attendance is $23,485. Net price varies meaningfully by family income: low-income families pay approximately $6,242, middle-income families pay around $8,104, and higher-income families pay approximately $15,450. Azimuth ranks Murray State University #144 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Murray State's affordability profile reflects its public-university tuition structure and need-based aid reach. The gap between sticker price and net price demonstrates how financial aid reshapes the headline cost for most students. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and Murray State participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $18,465; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $50,487, median federal debt of $20,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $232 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Murray State University earn median 4-year earnings of $50,487, placing Murray State University in the 10.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $8,495 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Murray State University in the 24.9 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Murray State University #1225 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These figures represent lifetime returns relative to KY's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $31,626 (the state median earnings of working adults with only a high school credential). Business represents the institution's primary academic focus and a key driver of graduate outcomes. Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other is the largest program with 102 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $57,686, performing at 0.9x the national benchmark for the field. The Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians program graduates 99 students earning $40,839 four years after enrollment, while General Studies and Teacher Education round out the largest programs with median earnings of $41,797 and $38,132 respectively. This program mix reflects Murray State University's alignment with regional labor-market demand and provides graduates with stable career pathways across multiple fields.
