Murray State University is a public, regional comprehensive university founded in 1922 and located in Murray, Kentucky, in the scenic western Kentucky lake region. Consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report — reaching #20 in 2026 — Murray State has earned a national reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and student success. The university serves approximately 9,400 students across eight colleges, offering more than 145 undergraduate programs and 90 graduate programs. Murray State is especially well regarded for its programs in education, agriculture, business, engineering technology, nursing, and the liberal arts. The university's 258-acre residential campus features a vibrant residential community, extensive recreation facilities, and a strong NCAA Division I athletics tradition as the Racers. Murray State's location in the Land Between the Lakes region provides unique opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental research, and field study. A founding member of the Ohio Valley Conference, Murray State is deeply rooted in its regional community while maintaining growing international partnerships and a diverse student body representing more than 50 countries.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
—
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$19836
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $19,836
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
