Head-to-head · 2026
Eastern Kentucky University vs Murray State University
Compare average net price ($11,040 at Eastern Kentucky University; $9,096 at Murray State University), ROI score (10.37 vs 12.30), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,795 vs $44,737), and admissions selectivity (77.6% acceptance at Eastern Kentucky University; 85.7% at Murray State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Eastern Kentucky University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.37 | 12.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,040 | $9,096 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $44,160 | $36,384 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $10,320 | $9,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,230 | $19,836 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,795 ✓ | $44,737 |
| Acceptance rate | 77.6% | 85.7% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 61.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 76.9% ✓ | 75.7% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 12,318 | 6,688 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1149 | 1133 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Eastern Kentucky University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,591 | $6,242 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $8,005 | $6,347 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,382 | $8,104 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,384 | $12,811 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $17,009 | $15,450 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Eastern Kentucky University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 9.2% | 5.2% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 5.7% | 5.1% |
| Business/Commerce, General | 3.1% | 7.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.2% | 5.4% |
| Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other | 0.3% | 8% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 6.8% | 1.1% |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | 3.9% | 3.3% |
| Social Work | 3.2% | 2.4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Murray State University reports the lower average net price by $1,944 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $7,776 difference over four years ($36,384 vs $44,160).
Eastern Kentucky University reports $1,058 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($45,795 vs $44,737). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 76.9% at Eastern Kentucky University and 75.7% at Murray State University. Median federal debt among completers is $22,500 vs $20,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Eastern Kentucky University vs Murray State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Murray State University is cheaper — average net price $9,096 per year vs $11,040 at Eastern Kentucky University. The annual difference of $1,944 adds up to about $7,776 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Eastern Kentucky University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $45,795 vs $44,737 at Murray State University. The gap in the federal data is $1,058. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Eastern Kentucky University is more selective at 77.6% acceptance vs 85.7% at Murray State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.