Do I need to complete the General Scholarship Application for competitive awards?

Yes. Competitive awards require the General Scholarship Application and may ask for extra steps such as essays or interviews.

Murray State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: How much do you actually save?

On tuition alone, Regional students save about $4,500 per year compared to full nonresident costs. Tennessee border county students save about $5,000 per year by paying in-state rates.

Q: Is it automatic or do you have to apply?

Regional and Tennessee border county tuition reductions are automatic at admission if the permanent address qualifies. Academic Common Market (ACM) programs require an application through your state higher-education agency.

Q: Can these scholarships be stacked?

No. Students may hold only one Academic Achievement Scholarship. These cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, Governor’s Scholars/School for the Arts awards, or National Merit Finalist awards.

Q: How competitive are these?

Very. Selective awards have limited slots and firm deadlines, with holistic review including essays and interviews.

Q: Are there major- or department-specific competitions?

Department-specific scholarships are listed under Hidden Gems or department pages and are not included in the university-level competitive table.

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

If your student is looking at Murray State, you’ll want to know what scholarships are on the table before the first tuition bill arrives. This guide breaks down the automatic awards, competitive fellowships, and hidden gems—all in plain English—so Kentucky families (and out-of-state parents too) can see how the numbers really work. Don’t forget to also check our Kentucky state aid guide alongside the full College Scholarships Hub to compare options.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Murray State University

Expense	Kentucky Resident	Regional States	Nonresident
Tuition & Fees (12–15 credits)	$9,908	$10,452–$11,730	$15,036
Housing & Meals	$11,280	$11,280	$11,280
Books, Travel, Personal	$4,840	$4,840	$4,840
Total (before aid)	$26,028	$26,580–$27,858	$31,164

Average Net Price: $9,738 (2022–23). That’s what families actually paid at Murray State after scholarships and grants were applied—no loans included.

Regional Tuition Savings: Students from AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MS, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, and WV automatically qualify for the Regional Tuition rate, which trims about $4,500 per year compared to full nonresident costs. In addition, students from select Tennessee border counties qualify for full in-state rates, saving around $5,000 per year. Murray State also participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which lets students pursue specialized majors at in-state rates if that program isn’t offered in their home state.

Who qualifies for Regional Tuition?
Students from the listed 15 states automatically get 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. As long as your student’s permanent address is in a Regional state or eligible Tennessee county, the reduced tuition is applied at admission. ACM programs require an application through your state higher-education agency.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Murray State’s Academic Achievement Scholarships are often called “automatic”—your student qualifies based on GPA (and test scores for the top tiers). But there’s an important caveat: students must also complete the university’s General Scholarship Application through their myGate portal. Once that step is done, awards are applied automatically at admission.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Trustee	$10,000	3.80–4.00 GPA and 33+ ACT / 1450+ SAT	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	Students with top GPAs and very high test scores (top 2–3%).
Regents	$8,000	3.80–4.00 GPA and 28–32 ACT / 1300–1440 SAT	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	High-A students with test scores in the top 10% range.
Provost	$5,000	3.80–4.00 GPA (no test required)	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	Strong GPA students who apply test-optional.
Carr	$4,000	3.50–3.79 GPA	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	Solid A-/B+ students.
University	$3,000	3.30–3.49 GPA	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	Mid-B+ to A- students.
Deans	$2,500	3.00–3.29 GPA	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	Students with around a B average.
Opportunity	$1,000	2.75–2.99 GPA	General Scholarship App	Yes – 2.75 GPA + 24 credits/yr	Students just under a B average who stay full-time.

Note on Automaticity: While these awards are often described as “automatic,” students must complete the General Scholarship Application on their myGate portal to activate consideration. The automatic part refers to how eligibility is calculated after that application is filed—no separate essays or extra materials are required.

Do I need to apply separately?
You don’t need a separate application for each scholarship, but you do need to complete the General Scholarship Application in myGate. Without it, your student will not be awarded even if their GPA/test scores qualify.

Are test scores required?
Only the top two tiers (Trustee and Regents) require ACT or SAT scores. All other levels are awarded based on GPA alone, including test-optional applicants.

Can these scholarships be stacked?
No—students may only hold one Academic Achievement Scholarship. They also cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, Governor’s Scholars/School for the Arts awards, or National Merit Finalist awards.

🏆 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?
Marvin D. Mills Scholarship (Leadership)	Up to in-state tuition + on-campus housing (double) + meal plan (4 years)	Incoming freshmen with strong leadership/service profiles meeting published GPA/test minimums; program participation required.	Yes — General Scholarship Application; leadership materials as prompted.	Yes — typical GPA and credit load + engagement in the leadership program.	Leaders with sustained involvement, mentoring/service, and solid academics.
GSP / GSA / GSE / CHA Scholarships	Typically full in-state tuition for eligible program alumni; some arts awards have limited competitive slots.	Graduates/alumni of Kentucky Governor’s Scholars, School for the Arts, School for Entrepreneurs, or MSU Commonwealth Honors Academy; may include GPA/test and major criteria.	Yes — General Scholarship Application; follow published timelines.	Yes — maintain GPA, full-time progress, and any program conditions.	Students who actually completed these programs and meet the academic/major fit; arts awards often require portfolio strength.

Stacking rules: Competitive awards above generally cannot be combined with Academic Achievement tiers and certain other top awards; always see the official offer for exact stacking and renewal terms.

National programs: Murray State recognizes National Merit Finalists in its scholarship program. (If your student is a Finalist, review stacking and replacement rules before accepting another award.)

How competitive are these?
Very. Presidential Fellowships are awarded to a small cohort after essays and interviews; other programs also have limited slots and firm deadlines.

Do I need to complete the General Scholarship Application?
Yes. Even for “automatic” admission-based awards, Murray State requires the General Scholarship Application in myGate; competitive awards also require it and may ask for extra steps.

Can these stack with Academic Achievement scholarships?
Usually no. Most top competitive awards replace or cannot be combined with Academic Achievement tiers. Read the award letter for specifics.

Are there major- or department-specific competitions?
Those appear under departmental scholarships and will be listed in the Hidden Gems or Department sections—not here.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These aren’t always advertised on the front page, but they can make a real difference—especially for families looking at need-based support, legacy discounts, or opportunities tied to study abroad and language programs.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Murray State Promise	Covers full tuition & mandatory fees (after Pell and other aid)	Kentucky residents who are Pell-eligible; full-time freshmen or transfers	Yes — FAFSA + General Scholarship Application	Yes — renewable if Pell-eligible and full-time	Families with demonstrated financial need; covers the remaining tuition once grants are applied
Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant	In-state tuition rate (≈$4,000–$5,000 annual savings)	Nonresident children or grandchildren of Murray State alumni	Yes — Scholarship Portal	N/A (rate benefit)	Nonresident legacy families who would otherwise pay higher tuition
Education Abroad Scholarships	$500–$2,000 typical awards	Students accepted to approved study abroad programs; FAFSA + General App required	Yes — ViaTRM + Scholarship Portal	One-time	Students who plan ahead and submit strong essays for program-specific awards
Global Languages Scholarships	$500–$1,500 typical awards	Majors or minors in Global Languages; usually 3.0+ GPA; some tied to study abroad	Yes — Department or Study Abroad Office	Varies	Language majors/minors with advanced coursework who engage in study abroad
ROTC Scholarships (Army/Air Force)	Full or partial tuition + monthly stipend (varies by branch)	Students who meet ROTC fitness, service, and academic requirements	Yes — ROTC application and board review	Yes — contingent on service obligation	Students pursuing officer training who maintain fitness and academics
Harris-Nelson First-Generation Book Scholarship	Covers cost of required books (≈$300–$600 typical)	First-generation students; incoming or continuing	Yes — Scholarship Portal	No (one-time)	First-gen students who demonstrate financial need for book costs
Earl and Sue Steele Family Scholarship	$500–$1,000 typical	First-generation students; GPA and need may be considered	Yes — Scholarship Portal	Varies	First-gen students with solid academics and financial need
Travis and Kelly Taylor First-Generation Scholarship	$500–$1,000 typical	First-generation students; GPA and need may be considered	Yes — Scholarship Portal	Varies	First-gen students who apply early and show persistence

Disclaimer: Award amounts for some first-generation scholarships are shown as typical ranges ($500–$1,000) because the university lists them as “varies.” These ranges are based on evidence from similar named donor awards at Murray State.

Department of Music Scholarships: Audition-based scholarships for students in marching band and other ensembles. Amounts vary but can offset tuition significantly for committed participants.
Departmental Scholarships: Many colleges and departments (Education, Art & Design, etc.) offer their own awards, usually requiring a separate application, portfolio, or audition.

What makes these “hidden gems”?
They aren’t as widely publicized as the big automatic or competitive awards, but they can fill financial gaps or open special opportunities like study abroad.

Do they stack with other scholarships?
Often yes. For example, the Promise program covers tuition after Pell and other aid is applied; Education Abroad funds usually stack with merit awards.

Are they renewable?
Some, like the Promise, are renewable as long as students meet the criteria. Others, like study abroad awards, are one-time opportunities tied to a specific experience.

Who should look into ROTC?
Students interested in military service and leadership training—these scholarships can cover major costs but come with a service obligation after graduation.

⭐ 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.

🎖️ Honors College

Murray State’s Honors College gives motivated students a chance to push beyond the basics with smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and a strong community. Admission is competitive—you apply separately, and they look closely at GPA, test scores, and leadership when making decisions.

What a Typical Murray State Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.8 or higher, ACT scores near 28+ (or SAT 1300+), challenging coursework (AP, IB, dual credit), plus leadership or service experience.

Perks that Matter:
Priority registration, honors-only seminars, close advising for prestigious scholarships, opportunities for 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?
Presidential Fellowship	Full tuition + on-campus housing (double) + meal plan (up to 4 years)	High school GPA ≈3.7+ and 28+ ACT / 1300+ SAT; requires separate application, essays, and interviews. Must also enroll in and actively participate in the Honors College.	Yes — General Scholarship Application + competitive process	Yes — maintain ≈3.2 GPA, full-time enrollment, and Honors College participation	Students with top academics, leadership/service records, and strong interviews who are also engaged in the Honors College

Is admission automatic?
No—students must apply separately through the Honors College application. Admission is competitive and selective.

Does Honors add extra time to graduation?
No—the Honors curriculum is designed to integrate with your major so that most students still graduate on time.

What are the deadlines?
Priority deadlines usually fall in early December, but applications are reviewed until spaces are filled. Students aiming for top competitive scholarships like the Presidential Fellowship should apply by the priority date.

Does the Honors College come with extra funding?
Some of Murray State’s top scholarships, like the Presidential Fellowship, require Honors College participation. While not every Honors student gets extra money, the program itself connects students to more funding opportunities.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Navigating scholarships at Murray State can feel overwhelming at first, but once you see the mix of automatic awards, competitive fellowships, and hidden gems, the picture gets clearer. For Kentucky families, programs like the Murray State Promise make college more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Out-of-state parents can also find savings through Regional Tuition or legacy programs. And for students ready to stretch themselves, the Honors College and Presidential Fellowship open doors not just to funding, but to mentoring and opportunities that can shape their entire college experience.

✅ Last updated: September 7, 2025