Murray State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Kentucky state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Regional tuition discounts for out-of-state students
- Honors College and key scholarship deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~86%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 980–1170
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.3–3.8
Source: Murray State University Common Data Set and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Murray State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 19, 2025
Murray State University delivers exceptional value through a mix of automatic merit scholarships and generous regional tuition discounts. High-achieving students can earn up to $10,000 automatically, while the prestigious Presidential Fellowship covers full tuition plus housing and meals.
With test-optional admissions, Honors College benefits, and affordable out-of-state pricing across an expanded 15-state region, Murray State makes it easy for families to find quality and affordability in one place.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Murray State University offers test-optional admission; GPA can qualify students for automatic scholarships (Trustee / Regents require scores).
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19–26; SAT: 980–1170 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $9,738/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — Murray State offers a Regional Tuition Discount for residents of 15 states (AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MS, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV).
University Tuition & COA – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/UndergraduateTuition.aspx
Scholarships (Freshmen Awards) – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/freshmen.aspx
Scholarships (Deadlines & Presidential Fellowship) – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/index.aspx
Regional Tuition Discount – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/index.aspx
Presidential Fellowship Details – https://www.murraystate.edu/news/posts/presidential-fellowships-2025.aspx
Common Data Set – https://www.murraystate.edu/about/administration/Provost/institutional-effectiveness/OfficeOfInstitutionalResearch/CommonDataSet.aspx
BigFuture (Profile & Net Price) – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/murray-state-university/admissions
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157401-Murray-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Murray State University
| Expense | Kentucky Resident | Regional States | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–15 credits) | $9,908 | $10,452–$11,730 | $15,036 |
| Housing & Meals (median on-campus) | $11,280 | $11,280 | $11,280 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $21,188 | $21,732–$23,010 | $26,316 |
Figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year and assume full-time enrollment (12–15 credits/semester). The totals above include only direct, billed costs (tuition/fees + housing & meals). Other typical expenses — books & supplies, transportation, and personal costs — are not paid directly to the university and vary by student, so they are not included in the table.
Regional Tuition Savings: Students from AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MS, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV automatically qualify for the Regional Tuition rate, which trims about $4,500 per year compared to full nonresident tuition. In addition, students from select Tennessee border counties qualify for full in-state rates (≈ $5,000/year savings). Murray State also participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for approved majors not offered in the student’s home state.
Who qualifies for Regional Tuition?
Students from the 15 listed states automatically receive the discounted Regional rate; no separate application is required.
How much do you actually save?
On tuition alone, Regional students save about $4,500 compared to full nonresident costs. Tennessee border-county students save about $5,000 by paying in-state rates.
Is it automatic or do you have to apply?
It’s automatic at admission if your permanent address is in an eligible Regional state or Tennessee border county. ACM requires an application through your state higher-education agency.
University Tuition & Fees (2025–26) – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/UndergraduateTuition.aspx
2025–26 Cost of Attendance Overview – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/index.aspx
Regional Tuition Program – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/index.aspx
NCES Net Price Data – https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Murray+State+University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Murray State’s Academic Achievement Scholarships are “automatic”—award levels are strictly based on GPA (and test scores for the highest tiers). Applicants must still complete the university’s General Scholarship Application in their myGate portal. Once submitted, eligible awards are applied automatically at admission.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee | $10,000/yr | GPA 3.80–4.00 AND 33+ ACT or 1450+ SAT |
General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | Students with truly top GPAs and high test scores (top 2–3%) | Feb 2 (General App); submit scores by Dec 1 |
| Regents | $8,000/yr | GPA 3.80–4.00 AND 28–32 ACT or 1300–1440 SAT |
General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | High GPA, strong testers; generally top 10% | Feb 2 (General App); submit scores by Dec 1 |
| Provost | $5,000/yr | GPA 3.80–4.00 (no test required) |
General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | High GPA students, test-optional considered | Feb 2 (General App) |
| Carr | $4,000/yr | GPA 3.50–3.79 | General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | Solid A-/B+ students | Feb 2 (General App) |
| University | $3,000/yr | GPA 3.30–3.49 | General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | Mid B+ to A- students | Feb 2 (General App) |
| Deans | $2,500/yr | GPA 3.00–3.29 | General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | Around a B average | Feb 2 (General App) |
| Opportunity | $1,000/yr | GPA 2.75–2.99 | General Scholarship Application | Yes – 2.75 college GPA, 24 credits/year | Students just under a B average who stay full-time | Feb 2 (General App) |
Important: You must complete the General Scholarship Application via the myGate portal (murraystate.edu) to activate any award—even those considered “automatic.” No essays or supplemental forms are required for these awards.
Do I need to apply separately?
Just one General Scholarship Application is required for all awards. If you don’t submit it, you will not be considered for any merit award, regardless of your GPA or test score.
Are test scores required?
Only Trustee and Regents tiers require ACT or SAT scores. All other tiers award using weighted high school GPA alone; test-optional applicants are eligible for everything below Regents.
Can these stack?
No—students may only hold one Academic Achievement Scholarship. These cannot be combined with other flagship awards like Presidential Fellowship or National Merit Finalist. All scholarships combined cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Scholarships – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/index.aspx
Freshmen Academic Awards – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year-awards.aspx
Scholarship App Instructions – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/application.aspx
Scholarship FAQ – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/faq.aspx
General Scholarships Handbook – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/general.aspx
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These are selective university-level awards with extra steps beyond admission. They’re competitive because the pool is limited and applicants are reviewed holistically (essays, interviews, leadership, and fit). Deadlines matter—apply early.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin D. Mills Scholarship (Leadership) | Up to full in-state tuition, housing (double occupancy), and meal plan for 4 years | High school seniors, 24+ ACT or 1160+ SAT, 3.5+ GPA, strong leadership/service. Program participation & competitive review. | Yes — General Scholarship App, leadership/service documentation as prompted | Yes — 3.0 GPA and 24 credits/year, plus program requirements | Leaders with sustained school/community impact, solid grades, and engagement with campus leadership program | Dec 1 (General App & materials) |
| GSP / GSA / GSE / CHA Scholarships | Full in-state tuition (renewable 4 years); GSA competitive arts slots also available | Graduates/alumni of KY Governor’s Scholars, School for the Arts, School for Entrepreneurs, or MSU Commonwealth Honors Academy; min 3.5 GPA & 25 ACT/1200 SAT (GSA arts: 3.3 GPA & 18–24 ACT for competitive slots; must major in arts field) | Yes — General Scholarship App, confirm qualifying program/major | Yes — 2.75 GPA, 24 credits/year, full-time progress | Program completers who meet GPA/test/major requirements and submit on time (arts awards based on portfolio/audition) | Dec 1 (General App) |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Full tuition, standard housing, meal plan for up to 4 years | Students recognized by National Merit as Finalist; selection and documentation required | Yes — General Scholarship App; submit official Finalist documents | Yes — 3.0 GPA and 24 credits/year | Finalists with full documentation and confirmed academic progress | Feb 2 (General App); Finalist docs as soon as available |
Stacking rules: Competitive scholarships listed above cannot be combined with Academic Achievement Scholarships or each other. See official offer or scholarship office for full details.
How competitive are these?
Very. Cohorts are small. Most require strong essays, leadership/portfolio, engagement history, and interviews or documentation.
Do I need the General Scholarship Application?
Yes. All competitive scholarships require the General Scholarship App through myGate. Some also require extra essays or external documentation.
Can these stack with Academic Achievement or other flagship aid?
No. These awards replace Academic Achievement Scholarships and usually each other. Your total scholarships can’t exceed the university cost of attendance.
Are there major/departmental competitions?
Departmental and major-specific awards are listed separately as hidden gem/location-based programs.
Freshmen Competitive Scholarships – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year-awards.aspx
Marvin D. Mills Scholarship – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year-awards.aspx
GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Awards – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year-awards.aspx
Governor’s Scholars Scholarships – https://gsp.ky.gov/scholarships/
General Scholarship Application – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/application.aspx
National Merit Scholarships – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year-awards.aspx
🎖️ Honors College
Murray State’s Honors College offers motivated students the chance to go deeper—smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, distinct privileges, and a strong sense of community. Admission is competitive, requiring a separate application. Selection considers GPA, test scores, writing, rigor, and leadership/service.
What a Typical Murray State Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.7+ with 28+ ACT (or 1300+ SAT), challenging coursework (AP/IB/dual credit), and leadership or service background. (No published cutoff; this reflects recent fellow profiles.)
Perks that Matter:
Priority registration, honors-only seminars, advising for prestigious scholarships, undergraduate research and study abroad, and a strong cohort community that makes a big campus feel smaller.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Fellowship | Full tuition, double room housing, & meal plan (up to 4 years) | GPA ≈3.7+ and 28+ ACT / 1300+ SAT; admission to Honors College plus essays/interviews; top leadership and service | Yes — General Scholarship Application and separate Honors application | Yes — maintain ≈3.2 GPA, full-time status, Honors College participation, annual renewal | Students with top grades, scores, leadership/service, and strong interview performance actively engaged in Honors | Priority: December 1 (General App); essays/interviews by mid-December |
Is admission automatic?
No. You must submit a dedicated Honors College application. Most who are admitted have GPAs near 3.8, 28+ ACT, and strong leadership/service activities.
Does Honors delay graduation?
No. The Honors curriculum is meant to fit with most majors so you can graduate on time.
What are the deadlines?
The Presidential Fellowship requires the General Scholarship and Honors applications by December 1 for top consideration. Regular Honors enrollment typically continues until cohort spaces are filled.
Extra funding for all Honors students?
Not every Honors enrollee receives extra money, but those landing the Presidential Fellowship or top competitive awards must be engaged in Honors throughout their program.
Presidential Fellowship – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/presidential.aspx
Honors College – https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/honors/
Honors Application – https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/honors/apply.aspx
Competitive Scholarships – https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year-awards.aspx
⭐ College Specialty
Murray State is a regional public university that blends strong professional programs with a personalized campus feel. While it isn’t classified as an R1 research university, it has carved out statewide and even national recognition in a few signature fields. Families who are comparing majors will want to know where Murray State really shines.
Equine Science & Management: Murray State is one of the few universities in the nation with a dedicated Equine Center and multiple degree tracks (Equine Science, Equine Management, Equine Business). Students get hands-on training in riding, health, nutrition, and breeding—making it a statewide leader for students interested in equine careers.
- Occupational Safety & Health: ABET-accredited programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s level; recognized nationally for preparing workplace safety professionals.
- Agriculture: Hutson School of Agriculture offers diverse programs in animal science, agribusiness, and crop management with strong regional industry ties.
- Music & Performing Arts: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); known regionally for its marching band and music education pipeline.
- Education: Longstanding teacher-prep programs with statewide influence, producing a large share of Kentucky’s teachers.