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Western Kentucky University and Murray State University are both public institutions — Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY and Murray State University in Murray, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | Western Kentucky University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 93.9% | 85.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 840–1050 |
| 940–1170 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 16–21 | 19–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,155 | 6,688 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,000/year | $19,836/year |
| Average net price after aid | $10,990 | $9,096 |
| Graduation rate | 55.6% | 61.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $43,889 | $44,737 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Bowling Green, KY | Murray, KY |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education | Business and marketing, Agriculture, Health professions |
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 Western Kentucky University and Murray State University
Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 93.9%; Murray State University is around 85.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Western Kentucky University tuition is $27,000/year. Murray State University is $19,836/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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