Head-to-head · 2026
Morehead State University vs Murray State University
Compare average net price ($9,793 at Morehead State University; $9,096 at Murray State University), ROI score (11.03 vs 12.30), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($43,197 vs $44,737), and admissions selectivity (77.2% acceptance at Morehead State 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 | Morehead State University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 11.03 | 12.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,793 | $9,096 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $39,172 | $36,384 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $10,024 | $9,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $14,980 | $19,836 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $43,197 | $44,737 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 77.2% | 85.7% |
| Graduation rate | 52.2% | 61.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 65% | 75.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,578 | 6,688 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 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 | Morehead State University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $7,150 | $6,242 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $7,057 | $6,347 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $8,874 | $8,104 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $13,341 | $12,811 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,164 ✓ | $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 | Morehead State University | Murray State University |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 10.7% | 5.1% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 8.5% | 5.2% |
| Business/Commerce, General | 4.4% | 7.4% |
| Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other | 2.7% | 8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 5.2% | 5.4% |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 1.8% | 4.3% |
| Social Work | 3.6% | 2.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 2.3% | 3.5% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Murray State University reports the lower average net price by $697 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $2,788 difference over four years ($36,384 vs $39,172).
Murray State University reports $1,540 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($44,737 vs $43,197). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 65% at Morehead State University and 75.7% at Murray State University. Median federal debt among completers is $22,250 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
Morehead State 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 $9,793 at Morehead State University. The annual difference of $697 adds up to about $2,788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Murray State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $44,737 vs $43,197 at Morehead State University. The gap in the federal data is $1,540. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Morehead State University is more selective at 77.2% 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.