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Murray State University and Western Kentucky University are both public institutions — Murray State University in Murray, KY and Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Murray, KY · Public
Acceptance rate: 85.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,688
Tuition: $19,836/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Agriculture, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Murray, KY with published program strength in Business and marketing and Agriculture.
Bowling Green, KY · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 12,155
Tuition: $27,000/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 55.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Bowling Green, KY with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Murray State University | Western Kentucky University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 85.7% | 93.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 940–1170 |
| 840–1050 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–26 | 16–21 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,688 | 12,155 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,836/year | $27,000/year |
| Average net price after aid | $9,096 | $10,990 |
| Graduation rate | 61.3% | 55.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $44,737 | $43,889 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Murray, KY | Bowling Green, KY |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Agriculture, Health professions | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education |
Murray State University is more selective (85.7% vs 93.9% acceptance rate). Murray State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($9,096 vs $10,990). Murray State University reports the higher graduation rate (61.3% vs 55.6%). Western Kentucky University is the larger undergraduate campus (12,155 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Murray State University and Western Kentucky University
Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 85.7%; Western Kentucky University is around 93.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Murray State University tuition is $19,836/year. Western Kentucky University is $27,000/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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