Murray State admits students with a 2.75 unweighted GPA or higher, and students between 2.0 and 2.74 get a holistic review. Test scores are optional for admission. The part most families miss is on the price side: if you live in one of 15 nearby states, including Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, and Missouri, Murray charges you close to what Kentucky families pay.
GPA 2.75+ (test scores only matter for the top two tiers)
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Feb 1 • FAFSA: TBD
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Presidential Fellowship and Mills Scholarship (full ride)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
Special Waivers Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Murray State (Read This First)
Out-of-state is not always out of reach. Residents of 15 states pay a regional rate that runs only a few hundred dollars a year above Kentucky tuition. Check the cost section before you cross Murray off the list.
Admission gets you the automatic award. It does not get you the rest. Leadership awards, the Mills Scholarship, the Presidential Fellowship, and the donor scholarships all run through a separate General Scholarship Application, due February 1 (December 1 for the Presidential Fellowship).
No superscore, and no wiggle room. Murray uses your best single ACT or SAT sitting, and a student who misses a cutoff by one point or .01 GPA does not move up. New scores are accepted until mid-August, so a retake can still pay.
The big awards replace, they do not stack. Win the Presidential Fellowship, the Mills Scholarship, or a Governor’s program or CHA scholarship, and it takes the place of the automatic award.
File the FAFSA even if you expect nothing need-based. Murray will not pay its institutional scholarships to a student’s account without it. And if grants plus scholarships ever exceed the bill, Murray can trim its own scholarship to balance the account.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Murray State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1100.
Average net price? About $9,738/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — institutional waivers available.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Murray State University 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
Category (2026–2027)
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters)
$10,530
$15,990
Housing & Meals (typical)
$12,420
$12,420
Total (Direct Costs)
$22,950
$28,410
Average Federal Net Price: $9,738 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
Regional tuition: Students from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are billed at a discounted regional rate that lands close to Kentucky tuition. No separate application is required.
Border counties at the Kentucky rate: Henry, Montgomery, Obion, Stewart, and Weakley counties in Tennessee; Massac County in Illinois; and Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties in Indiana.
Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant: Out-of-state children and grandchildren (including step-relations) of Murray State graduates pay in-state tuition. Apply through myGate by the first day of classes.
What Families in Nearby States Actually Pay (2026-2027 Tuition & Fees)
Where You Live
Tuition & Fees
Kentucky, plus these border counties: Henry, Montgomery, Obion, Stewart, Weakley (TN); Massac (IL); Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick (IN)
$10,530
Regional states: AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MS, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
$11,088
Everyone else (non-regional)
$15,990
The out-of-state column in the table above shows the non-regional rate. If you live in a regional state, your real number is much closer to the in-state column. Housing and meals are the same for everyone. Rates shown apply to students admitted Summer 2023 or later.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at Murray State University
Why do students from Tennessee, Mississippi, and other nearby states pay almost the in-state rate?
Murray State charges residents of 15 states a discounted regional rate: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. For 2026-2027 that works out to $11,088 in tuition and fees, about $560 more than a Kentucky family pays. You do not apply for it. It is applied based on residency.
We live in a county right across the Kentucky line. Do we pay in-state tuition?
You might. Students from Henry, Montgomery, Obion, Stewart, and Weakley counties in Tennessee, Massac County in Illinois, and Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties in Indiana receive the Kentucky in-state rate and are treated like Kentucky students for admission and housing purposes.
My parent or grandparent graduated from Murray State. Does that lower our tuition?
Yes, if you live out of state. The Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant gives in-state tuition to out-of-state children and grandchildren of Murray State graduates, including stepchildren and step-grandchildren. The alum needs a bachelor’s or graduate degree from Murray, and you will need documents that show the family link. The form is in myGate and is due by the first day of classes.
Can my student live off campus to save money?
Not at first. Murray State requires students to live on campus for two years (four full-time semesters, not counting summer). Plan on campus housing and a meal plan in your budget for at least freshman and sophomore year.
Can Kentucky families attend Murray State tuition-free?
Many can. The Murray State Promise covers whatever tuition and mandatory fees are left after federal, state, institutional, and private gift aid for Kentucky residents who receive a Pell Grant and take at least 12 hours each semester. It does not cover housing, meals, or books, so a Promise student still has a bill for living costs. Kentucky students should also check our Kentucky state aid guide for state programs such as KEES.
Does Murray State take the Academic Common Market?
Kentucky is an Academic Common Market (ACM) state, but for most families near Murray the regional tuition rate is the simpler win because it applies to every major with no extra paperwork. ACM is worth checking mainly if you live in an ACM state that is not on Murray’s regional list (Delaware, Maryland, or Oklahoma) and your major is approved for your state in the SREB database.
What happens if my student takes more than 15 hours a semester?
Tuition is a flat rate for 12 to 15 hours. Every hour above 15 is billed on top of that at the per-hour rate. Online courses also carry a $75 per credit hour online course fee. Most scholarships are also capped at 15 hours, so the extra hours come out of pocket.
Why would Murray reduce a scholarship after it was awarded?
If a student’s total gift aid (grants plus scholarships) ends up larger than the charges on the account, Murray reduces its own non-refundable scholarships to bring the account into balance. This mostly affects families stacking Pell and state grants on top of merit. It is not a penalty, but it does mean the grand total on your award letter is not always what shows up on the bill.
📅 Murray State Scholarship Timeline (Simple Version)
At admission: The automatic Academic Achievement award arrives with the acceptance. No form needed.
September 1: The General Scholarship Application opens in myGate. Your student has to be admitted first to get a login.
December 1: Presidential Fellowship deadline (application, official transcript, and official test scores all in). Also the Honors College priority deadline.
February 1: General Scholarship Application deadline for leadership, Mills, Governor’s program, first-gen, and donor awards.
Mid-March: Award letters and competitive scholarship notices arrive by mail and Murray email.
May 1: Accept your awards.
Mid-August: Last chance to send a new ACT/SAT score or updated GPA to move up an automatic tier.
Parent rule of thumb: apply for admission in the fall so the scholarship login exists before the application opens. The students who lose money at Murray are usually the ones who got admitted in March.
Automatic Merit Scholarships at Murray State University
Murray’s Academic Achievement Scholarships are awarded automatically at admission, and most of them are based on GPA alone. Only the top two tiers, Trustee and Regents, need an ACT or SAT score. Murray uses the higher of your weighted or unweighted GPA and your best single test sitting. There is no superscore.
Find your student's tier
Enter the numbers you have. We'll highlight the automatic award your student would actually get and tuck the rest out of the way. Leave it blank to browse everything.
Residency
Based on published cutoffs for entering freshmen. Always verify with the college before finalizing plans.
One award, not a pile. Colleges apply your student's single best automatic award. Automatic scholarships almost never stack with each other, though some stack with housing, departmental, or outside money. The stacking notes on each card tell you which.
Automatic
Trustee
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship application; awarded at admission. New ACT/SAT scores and GPA are accepted through mid-August before fall classes begin. · 📢 Results: Mid-March typical award letters ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~33 ACT✎ ~1450 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on that exclusion list. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance, and Murray may reduce institutional scholarships when gift aid exceeds charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
The top Academic Achievement tier. Murray uses the higher of the weighted or unweighted GPA and the best single ACT or SAT sitting; superscores are not accepted, and there is no flexibility on cutoffs. Moving from a 32 to a 33 ACT is worth $2,500 a year here.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Murray State's highest automatic merit tier goes to very high-stat domestic freshmen with a weighted GPA near the top of the scale and a 33+ ACT or 1450+ SAT. This is predictable money if the student's scores and transcript are on file in time.
Automatic
Regents
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship application; awarded at admission. New ACT/SAT scores and GPA are accepted through mid-August before fall classes begin. · 📢 Results: Mid-March typical award letters ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$7,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on that exclusion list. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance, and Murray may reduce institutional scholarships when gift aid exceeds charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
A strong automatic tier for students with a 3.8+ GPA and a 28 to 32 ACT (1300 to 1440 SAT). Moving from a 27 to a 28 on the ACT is worth $2,500 a year, so a retake before mid-August can pay off.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving domestic freshmen with a 3.80–4.00 weighted GPA and ACT scores in the upper 20s or low 30s. This is a strong automatic award, but it is still below Murray's full-ride competitions.
Automatic
Provost
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship application deadline; awarded at admission. · 📢 Results: Mid-March typical award letters ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on that exclusion list. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance, and Murray may reduce institutional scholarships when gift aid exceeds charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is the test-optional path inside Murray's top GPA band. It is useful for strong GPA students, but a high ACT/SAT can still move a student into a larger automatic tier.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-GPA domestic students with a 3.80–4.00 weighted GPA who apply test-optional or whose test scores do not reach the higher Trustee or Regents levels.
Automatic
Carr
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship application deadline; awarded at admission. · 📢 Results: Mid-March typical award letters ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$4,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on that exclusion list. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance, and Murray may reduce institutional scholarships when gift aid exceeds charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
A straightforward GPA-based automatic tier. It is not stackable with other Academic Achievement awards, but it gives families a predictable discount without an extra application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Domestic freshmen with a 3.50–3.79 weighted GPA. This is a solid automatic award for strong GPA students without needing a test score.
Automatic
University
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship application deadline; awarded at admission. · 📢 Results: Mid-March typical award letters ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on that exclusion list. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance, and Murray may reduce institutional scholarships when gift aid exceeds charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
Murray's scholarship page lists this tier as 3.00 to 3.49; the freshman admissions page shows 3.30 to 3.49. Families with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.29 should confirm with the Scholarship Office.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Domestic first-year students with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.49. Not huge money, but it is automatic and requires no separate scholarship application.
Automatic
Opportunity
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship application deadline; awarded at admission. · 📢 Results: Mid-March typical award letters ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on that exclusion list. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance, and Murray may reduce institutional scholarships when gift aid exceeds charges.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is the entry point into Murray State's automatic merit chart. It will not transform the bill, but it is worth capturing because no separate scholarship application is required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Domestic first-year students with a 2.75–2.99 weighted GPA. It is a modest award, but it is still automatic money for students who clear Murray's entry merit line.
Data last verified Sep 11, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Students receive one Academic Achievement Scholarship, the highest tier they qualify for. The awards are for domestic students, require full-time enrollment, and are calculated on 12 to 15 hours per semester.
Automatic Merit FAQs (Murray State University)
What GPA does my student need for automatic merit at Murray State?
A 2.75 gets the $1,000 Opportunity Scholarship. From there it climbs: $2,500 (University) at 3.00, $4,000 (Carr) at 3.50, and $5,000 (Provost) at 3.80. A student at 3.80 or above with a strong test score can reach $7,500 (Regents) or $10,000 (Trustee).
Does my student need an ACT or SAT score to get merit?
Only for the top two tiers. Trustee requires a 33+ ACT or 1450+ SAT, and Regents requires a 28 to 32 ACT or 1300 to 1440 SAT, both with a 3.80+ GPA. The Provost Scholarship gives $5,000 a year at 3.80+ with no test at all, which makes Murray one of the friendlier test-optional merit schools in the region.
Is a retake worth it?
Sometimes it is worth a lot. For a student at 3.80 or above, going from a 27 to a 28 ACT moves them from $5,000 to $7,500 a year, and going from 32 to 33 moves them from $7,500 to $10,000. That is $10,000 over four years for one point. Murray accepts updated scores through mid-August.
Does Murray State superscore the ACT or SAT?
No. Murray uses the highest composite from a single ACT sitting, or the highest single-sitting SAT total. Combined scores from different test dates are not considered.
Weighted or unweighted GPA?
Whichever is higher. Murray looks at both on a 4.0 scale and uses the better one. Awards can be revised up or down once the final high school transcript comes in.
My student is one point short of a cutoff. Will Murray round up?
No. Murray states that there is no flexibility on either the GPA or the test minimum. The fix is a retake or a stronger final transcript before mid-August.
Can automatic merit be combined with other Murray scholarships?
It cannot be combined with the Presidential Fellowship, the Mills Scholarship, or the Governor’s program and CHA tuition scholarships; if your student wins one of those, it replaces the automatic award. The Gold and Blue Leadership Awards are not on Murray’s exclusion list, so those appear to layer on top. Confirm on the award letter.
How does my student keep the scholarship?
Keep a 2.75 cumulative GPA, enroll full time (12+ hours) every semester, and earn at least 24 credit hours across fall and spring. Murray checks at the end of each spring. A student who falls short can file one appeal, but a scholarship that is removed cannot be earned back later.
Which GPA range does the University Scholarship cover?
Murray’s scholarship page lists 3.00 to 3.49 for the $2,500 University Scholarship, but the freshman admissions page shows 3.30 to 3.49. If your student’s GPA falls between 3.00 and 3.29, email the Scholarship Office and ask which one applies before you count on it.
Murray State has two flagship awards, and both pay for more than tuition: the Presidential Fellowship (tuition, a double room, and a meal plan) and the Marvin D. Mills Scholarship (tuition up to the Kentucky rate, a double room, and a meal plan). Both require the General Scholarship Application, and neither one stacks with the automatic award. Win one, and it replaces the automatic award.
Presidential Fellowship
Marvin D. Mills Scholarship
Minimums
28 ACT or 1300 SAT and a 3.7 GPA
24 ACT or 1160 SAT and a 3.5 GPA
Covers
Tuition, on-campus housing (double), meal plan
Tuition up to the Kentucky rate, on-campus housing (double), meal plan
Deadline
December 1
February 1
How it’s decided
Essays, group interviews at Honors Day, then finalist interviews in February
Leadership and service review through the scholarship application
To keep it
3.2 GPA, Honors College, undergraduate research
3.0 GPA, leadership programming, Emerging Scholars Institute
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at Murray State?
Aid Type
Stacks with Automatic Merit?
Parent Translation
Automatic (Academic Achievement)
N/A
One award per student, the highest tier you qualify for.
Presidential Fellowship / Mills
No, replaces
You get the bigger package instead of the automatic award, not on top of it.
Governor’s programs / CHA tuition scholarship
No, replaces
Full in-state tuition takes the automatic award’s place.
Gold / Blue Leadership Awards
Appears to, yes
Not on Murray’s exclusion list. Confirm the combination on your award letter.
Murray State Promise
Yes, fills the gap
Last-dollar money that covers whatever tuition is left after other gift aid.
Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant
Yes
It changes your tuition rate, so merit then applies to a smaller bill.
Pell and state grants
Yes, with a cap
If total gift aid passes your charges, Murray trims its own scholarship first.
The honest read: the Presidential Fellowship is a small, selective competition for high-stat students who are ready to write and interview. Mills is the one more families should be chasing. The bar is a 3.5 and a 24 ACT, the payout includes housing and meals, and it rewards the kid who has been leading things for four years even if they are not a 30+ scorer.
Cannot be combined with Academic Achievement Scholarships, the Marvin D. Mills Scholarship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Get admitted, then submit the General Scholarship Application by December 1, 2026 with official transcript and test scores on file. Students meeting the 28 ACT (1300 SAT) and 3.7 GPA minimums are invited to Honors Day during Admitted Student Weekend, where they write essays and complete group interviews. Finalists return in February for individual interviews. Students must attend the competition to be considered.
Selection criteria: Competitive review based on academic record, scholarship application, essay quality, group interview, individual finalist interview, and demonstrated potential for high achievement.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
A flagship full-ride scholarship covering tuition, on-campus housing at the double-occupancy rate, and a meal plan for up to eight semesters. Families should treat this as highly competitive and deadline-sensitive, not as a guaranteed result for students who merely meet the minimum GPA/test score.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is Murray State's top competitive academic prize. The minimum line gets a student into the conversation, but winners are usually the students who combine strong academics with a strong essay, strong interviews, Honors fit, and high-achievement potential.
Full RideApp Required
Marvin D. Mills Scholarship (Leadership)
📅 Deadline: February 1, 2027 · 📢 Results: Around mid-March 2026 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition, housing, and meal plan leadership scholarship
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT👥 ~Limited number of Mills Scholars selected each year. winners/yrRenewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment, 24 earned credit hours per year, Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence and Leadership requirements, and participation in the Emerging Scholars Institute.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with Academic Achievement Scholarships, the Presidential Fellowship, or GSP/GSA/GSE/CHA Scholarships. Total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission, then complete the Murray State General Scholarship Application by February 1, 2027, including leadership and service information.
Selection criteria: Competitive review of academic record, leadership, and service shown in the General Scholarship Application.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
A competitive leadership scholarship covering tuition up to the Kentucky in-state rate (capped at 15 credit hours per term), on-campus housing at the double-occupancy rate, and a meal plan. Out-of-state students can receive it, but tuition coverage stops at the Kentucky rate, so regional and non-regional students pay the difference.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with solid academics (3.5 GPA and 24 ACT or 1160 SAT minimum) and a real record of leadership and service, shown clearly in the General Scholarship Application.
Data last verified Sep 11, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What does the Presidential Fellowship cover?
Tuition, on-campus housing at the double-occupancy rate, and a meal plan for four years (summers excluded). For a Kentucky student at 2026-2027 rates, that is worth roughly $23,000 a year.
Who gets invited to compete?
Graduating seniors with at least a 28 ACT (or 1300 SAT) and a 3.7 cumulative GPA who submit the General Scholarship Application, official transcript, and official test scores by December 1. Meeting the minimums gets your student an invitation, not the award.
What happens at Honors Day?
Invited students write essays before the event and complete group interviews during Honors Day, which is part of Admitted Student Weekend. A smaller group is then invited back for individual finalist interviews in February. Your student has to attend the competition to be considered.
What does it take to keep the Presidential Fellowship?
A 3.2 cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment with 24 earned hours a year, participation in the Honors College, and participation in research in your student’s field. Fellows are automatically admitted to the Honors College, but they still need to submit the Honors application.
What does the Marvin D. Mills Scholarship cover, and who is eligible?
Mills covers tuition up to the Kentucky rate (capped at 15 hours a term), on-campus housing at the double rate, and a meal plan. Students need at least a 24 ACT or 1160 SAT and a 3.5 GPA, and they apply through the General Scholarship Application by February 1.
Can out-of-state students get the Mills Scholarship?
Murray does not list a residency requirement, but the tuition portion stops at the Kentucky rate. At 2026-2027 rates, that leaves a regional-state student roughly $560 a year to cover and a non-regional student roughly $5,500. Housing and meals are still covered.
What does it take to keep the Mills Scholarship?
A 3.0 cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment with 24 earned hours a year, completing the leadership requirements set by the Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence and Leadership, and participating in the Emerging Scholars Institute.
Does Murray State have a National Merit scholarship?
Not as a separate award for students entering in Fall 2027. National Merit Finalists should aim at the Presidential Fellowship, which is where Murray’s top academic money lives. For other schools with National Merit packages, see our National Merit guide.
Can a student win both the Presidential Fellowship and the Mills Scholarship?
No. Murray lists each one as unable to be combined with the other, and neither stacks with the automatic award.
What should students prepare?
For Mills and the leadership awards, the scholarship application is where the case gets made, so gather activities, jobs, service, and leadership roles ahead of time. Our Brag Sheet Builder and Essay Toolkit help students get that on paper before the deadline.
🧠 Parent Strategy: One Application Unlocks Most of Murray’s Money
At Murray State, almost every scholarship beyond the automatic award comes through a single form: the
General Scholarship Application.
Most of these awards are funded by alumni and donors, and they are sorted by things like your high school, your county, your major, your activities, your leadership, and your financial need.
Get admitted early so your student has a myGate login when the application opens September 1.
Declare a major on the official record. Departmental awards skip undeclared students.
Finish the General Scholarship Application by February 1 and answer every question. Murray says incomplete applications can be eliminated.
File the FAFSA. Many donor awards weigh need, and Murray will not pay institutional scholarships without it.
Reapply every year. Returning students are only considered for competitive awards if they submit a new application.
Parent translation: skip the scholarship application and your student still keeps the automatic award, but they will not be considered for any of the awards below.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These are the awards families overlook. Some stack with automatic merit, some quietly change your tuition rate, and a few are aimed squarely at first-generation and lower-income families, which is a big share of Murray’s students.
Can usually stack with Murray State Academic Achievement Scholarships and other aid, as long as the total package stays within cost-of-attendance rules. Renewal requires a 3.0 Murray State GPA, 24 completed credit hours per academic year, and continued participation in required leadership activities.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Murray State, then complete the General Scholarship Application by February 1, 2027. Students need at least a 3.2 GPA plus a 21 ACT or 1060 SAT, but the real review is leadership: school involvement, service, work, clubs, church, athletics, or other places where the student has taken responsibility.
Selection criteria: Competitive leadership review based on academic eligibility, depth of involvement, leadership responsibility, and scholarship application quality.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
This is not a GPA-only award. The student has to finish the scholarship application and make the leadership piece clear. For the right student, the $6,000 annual award is a meaningful stackable discount that can help cover tuition, housing, meal plan, or required fees.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who are solid academically and can point to real leadership, not just membership on a resume. This is a good hidden-gem layer for families because it can sit on top of automatic merit and make Murray State noticeably cheaper.
Can usually stack with Academic Achievement Scholarships and other institutional aid within cost-of-attendance limits. Renewal requires a 2.75 Murray State GPA, 24 completed credit hours per academic year, and participation in leadership development programming.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Murray State and complete the General Scholarship Application by February 1, 2027. Students need at least a 3.0 GPA and should use the application to show leadership, service, work experience, family responsibility, school activities, or community involvement.
Selection criteria: Competitive leadership review with emphasis on GPA eligibility, involvement, service, work or activity leadership, and application quality.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A useful leadership-based add-on for students with a 3.0+ GPA. It is smaller than the Gold Leadership Award, but it can still reduce the bill when combined with Murray State's main merit awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who may not be full-ride contenders but have a clear pattern of showing up, helping, leading, working, serving, or staying involved. This is the kind of smaller award parents can miss, but it can still matter when stacked with automatic merit.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicpipeline
Kentucky Governor's Scholars and Governor's School Scholarship (GSP / GSA / GSE)
⚠ For Kentucky students who completed the Governor's Scholars Program, Governor's School for the Arts, or Governor's School for Entrepreneurs.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with Academic Achievement Scholarships, the Presidential Fellowship, or the Marvin D. Mills Scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Murray State and complete the General Scholarship Application by February 1, 2027, documenting GSP, GSA, or GSE participation.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based: program completion plus published GPA and test-score thresholds.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full in-state tuition (capped at 15 credit hours per term) for GSP, GSA, and GSE alumni with a 3.5 GPA and a 25 ACT or 1200 SAT. It covers tuition only, not housing, meals, or books, and it is a new-freshman award that transfer students cannot use.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Kentucky students who completed GSP, GSA, or GSE and clear the 3.5 GPA and 25 ACT (1200 SAT) line.
App Required
Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant
📅 Deadline: First day of classes (Legacy Tuition Grant form in myGate). ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
A parent, stepparent, grandparent, or step-grandparent must hold a bachelor's or graduate degree from Murray State. The student must meet regular out-of-state admission requirements, enroll full time, and pursue a first bachelor's degree. Legal documentation of the family link is required. Covers fall and spring for up to eight semesters.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This changes the eligible student's tuition rate to the in-state rate and may stack with merit, need-based, and other institutional aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Murray State and submit the Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant form showing that a parent or grandparent graduated from Murray State. Families should be ready to provide documentation of the alumni connection if requested.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based tuition grant; no competitive scoring.
💡
Strategic Detail
A true hidden-gem discount for out-of-state alumni families. It is not a cash scholarship; it reduces the tuition rate for eligible students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Out-of-state students who have a Murray State parent or grandparent and complete the legacy paperwork. For the right family, this can be worth more than a small scholarship because it lowers the tuition rate itself.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicneed based
Murray State Promise
📅 Deadline: General Scholarship Application and FAFSA completed by the first day of the semester. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
last-dollar tuition and mandatory fees guarantee
✔ Stackable
⚠ Kentucky first‑time freshmen and new transfers who qualify for Pell and complete the scholarship/FAFSA steps can have Murray State tuition and mandatory fees fully covered for 12–15 credits each term; families still pay for room, board, and extras
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a last-dollar program. Murray State looks first at federal, state, institutional, and private gift aid, then fills remaining tuition and mandatory fee gaps for eligible students taking 12-15 credit hours per semester. It does not cover housing, meals, books, transportation, personal costs, or extra charges beyond the covered enrollment range.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Murray State, file the FAFSA, and complete the General Scholarship Application by the first day of the semester (February 1, 2027 is recommended so other awards are considered too). Enroll in and complete at least 12 hours each fall and spring.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based last-dollar tuition and mandatory fee guarantee; not a competitive scoring process.
💡
Strategic Detail
A strong need-based promise program, but parents should read it carefully: it targets tuition and mandatory fees, not the full cost of attendance. Room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses still need a plan.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Pell-eligible Kentucky students whose other grants and scholarships still leave a tuition-and-fee gap. This can make tuition disappear, but it does not make the full cost of college free.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Travis and Kelly Taylor First-Generation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1, 2027 ✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of awards based on annual fund balance. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May supplement other grants and scholarships for first-generation students. Renewal depends on continued eligibility, academic progress, and available funding.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the General Scholarship Application by the scholarship deadline and complete any portal items connected to the Travis and Kelly Taylor First-Generation Scholarship.
Selection criteria: Selected by Murray State scholarship committees through the General Scholarship Application; criteria are set by each endowed fund. Award amounts are not published.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A donor-funded first-generation award that may not be large, but can help reduce the out-of-pocket gaps that make college harder to sustain after the first semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students who apply on time, show financial need, and make a clear case that they are persisting toward a degree.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Earl and Sue Steele Family Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1, 2027 ✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Small number of awards determined by endowment earnings. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to supplement other aid for first-generation students. Renewal depends on continued eligibility, available funding, and the rules attached to the endowed fund.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Murray State General Scholarship Application in the scholarship portal and answer any first-generation or financial-need prompts tied to this endowed award.
Selection criteria: Selected by Murray State scholarship committees through the General Scholarship Application; criteria are set by each endowed fund. Award amounts are not published.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A donor-funded award for first-generation students. Murray does not publish the amount, but first-gen families should not skip it: it comes through the same General Scholarship Application as everything else.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students who show financial need and have a solid enough academic record to be competitive in the scholarship portal review.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Harris-Nelson First-Generation Book Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1, 2027 Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited by annual funding for first-generation book support. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to help with required books and supplies. It can generally be combined with other scholarships and grants under cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the General Scholarship Application through the Murray State scholarship portal, indicate first-generation status, and complete any prompts tied to book or textbook need.
Selection criteria: Selected by Murray State scholarship committees through the General Scholarship Application; criteria are set by each endowed fund. Award amounts are not published.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Small awards can still matter when the bill gets real. This scholarship is aimed at the practical expenses families often forget until after tuition and housing are handled.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students who need help with textbook costs and complete the scholarship application carefully.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: High school students apply to the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board, which opens in June after junior year and selects in October, January, and March. Campus-based scholarships are available to current students. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition and fees, or $6,000 per semester toward room and board, plus $600 per semester for books and a $420 monthly stipend once contracted
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT👥 ~Determined annually by the Army and Air Force. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ROTC tuition benefits can affect how other institutional aid is packaged. Stipends and book allowances may stack, but families should confirm the final aid package with both financial aid and ROTC.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board (opens June after junior year) and list Murray State. Students not selected nationally can still compete for campus-based scholarships. Scholarship benefits begin once the student contracts as a cadet.
Selection criteria: ROTC selection considers academics, leadership, physical fitness, medical qualification, interview performance, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
ROTC can be one of the biggest funding paths on campus, but it is not a casual scholarship. Families should treat it as both a financial-aid option and a service commitment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who are serious about military service and can show academics, leadership, fitness, discipline, and follow-through. This is not just a scholarship; it comes with ROTC obligations.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Education Abroad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by program term. Students must submit the Education Abroad program application in ViaTRM, the General Scholarship Application for that academic year, and the FAFSA. Non-Renewable
$150–$1,500
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies by term and available funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Usually works as a supplemental award and may stack with institutional, state, and external aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits and the cost structure of the study abroad program.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for an approved Education Abroad program in ViaTRM, complete the General Scholarship Application for the academic year of the program, and file the FAFSA. A scholarship essay of at least 300 words is required.
Selection criteria: Review may consider academic preparation, financial circumstances, program fit, and the strength of the student's study abroad plan.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
This is not a standard freshman merit award; it becomes valuable later if the student wants to study abroad. Families should watch these funds because they can lower the extra cost of an international experience.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who are already serious about a credit-bearing study abroad program and submit a complete scholarship application. Need, academic purpose, and the quality of the study-abroad plan can matter.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Global Languages Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Departmental deadlines; applicants should consult the Global Languages scholarship page each year. ✓ Renews (3 GPA)
Varies
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA👥 ~Varies by endowed fund and departmental budget. winners/yr🎓 UpperclassmenSophomores and above majoring or minoring in a Global Languages program or certificate, with a 3.0 GPA and enrollment in 200-level or higher language courses. Not available to incoming freshmen.
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with other institutional and external awards, subject to cost-of-attendance limits and any rules attached to the specific departmental fund.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Department of Global Languages and Cultures or the scholarship portal. Students should document major or minor status, language coursework, academic goals, and any study abroad plans when applicable.
Selection criteria: Faculty review emphasizing academic performance in language study, commitment to global engagement, and fit with the specific departmental fund.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
This is a departmental hidden-gem category. It will not help every student, but for a language-focused student, these smaller awards can help make a study plan or study abroad experience more affordable.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Language majors or minors with a strong GPA, serious commitment to language study, and often a clear academic or study abroad purpose.
Data last verified Sep 11, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Hidden Gems FAQ
What is the difference between the Gold and Blue Leadership Awards?
Gold pays $6,000 a year and needs a 3.2 GPA plus a 21 ACT or 1060 SAT. Blue pays $2,000 a year and needs a 3.0 GPA. Both come through the General Scholarship Application, both can go toward tuition, housing, or meals, and both require taking part in leadership programming and the Emerging Scholars Institute to renew. Neither appears on Murray’s list of awards that cannot be combined with automatic merit.
Who qualifies for the Alumni Legacy Tuition Grant?
Out-of-state students whose parent, stepparent, grandparent, or step-grandparent earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree from Murray State. The student must enroll full time in a first bachelor’s degree and send legal documents that prove the family link. It gives in-state tuition for up to eight fall and spring semesters, and the form is due by the first day of classes.
Who gets the Murray State Promise?
Kentucky residents entering as first-time freshmen or new transfers who receive a Pell Grant, complete the FAFSA and the General Scholarship Application by the first day of the semester, and take at least 12 hours each fall and spring. It covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees for 12 to 15 hours. It does not cover housing, meals, books, or online course fees.
My student went to the Governor’s Scholars Program. Does that count?
Yes. Kentucky students who completed the Governor’s Scholars Program, the Governor’s School for the Arts, or the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs can earn full in-state tuition at Murray with a 3.5 GPA and a 25 ACT or 1200 SAT. It replaces the automatic award rather than stacking, and it only applies to new freshmen, not transfers.
Are there scholarships just for first-generation students?
Yes. Murray lists three: the Travis and Kelly Taylor First-Generation Student Scholarship, the Earl and Sue Steele Family Scholarship, and the Harris-Nelson First-Generation Book Scholarship. Murray does not publish the amounts. You apply through the same General Scholarship Application, so there is no extra form, just make sure first-gen status is marked. More than 40% of Murray’s undergraduates are first-generation.
How does ROTC money work at Murray State?
Murray has Army ROTC. Scholarships pay either full tuition and fees or $6,000 a semester toward room and board, plus $600 a semester for books and a $420 monthly stipend once the student contracts. High school students apply to the national scholarship board, which opens in June after junior year and picks winners in October, January, and March. Students not selected nationally can still compete for campus-based scholarships.
Is there money for studying abroad?
Yes, later in college. Education Abroad scholarships usually run $150 to $1,500 and require the program application in ViaTRM, the General Scholarship Application, the FAFSA, and a short essay. Existing awards like the Presidential Fellowship, Regents Scholarship, and KEES can often be used toward an approved program too.
Does my student have to declare a major to get scholarships?
No, but undeclared students are not considered for departmental scholarships that require a specific major. If your student has a pretty good idea, declaring it before the application deadline widens the pool.
The Murray State Honors College is open to students in every major, but it is not automatic. Students apply separately, and they can do it even before Murray admits them. The selection committee looks at the whole student, including activities, leadership, and motivation, not just scores.
Who can apply: A 28+ ACT or a 3.8+ GPA, and close to the other (for example, a 28 ACT with a 3.6 GPA, or a 3.8 GPA with a 27 ACT)
Priority deadline: December 1 (later applications are reviewed as space allows)
Presidential Fellows: Automatically accepted and required to participate, but still must submit the Honors application
Honors-Connected Scholarships
The biggest honors-linked award at Murray actually starts before senior year. The Commonwealth Honors Academy (CHA) is a three-week summer program on Murray’s campus for high school juniors from Kentucky and other states. Students who complete it earn college credit and a four-year full in-state tuition scholarship to Murray State if they enroll later and keep qualifying. If your student is a sophomore or junior reading this, this is the one to put on the calendar.
Full TuitionApp Required
Commonwealth Honors Academy Full-Tuition Scholarship
Cannot be combined with Academic Achievement Scholarships, the Presidential Fellowship, or the Marvin D. Mills Scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Students apply to the Commonwealth Honors Academy as high school juniors, not as regular incoming college freshmen. The CHA application is due March 1 and requires the online application, a teacher recommendation, and a counselor form. Students who are accepted, successfully complete CHA, and later enroll full-time at Murray State can activate the four-year full in-state tuition scholarship if they meet Murray State's scholarship conditions.
Selection criteria: CHA selection is competitive and considers GPA, ACT score, recommendations, and application materials. Once a student completes CHA, the scholarship pathway is tied to enrolling at Murray State and maintaining the required qualifications.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CHA is a three-week summer honors program at Murray State for rising seniors from Kentucky and other states. Students take two college-level honors courses, earn 3 credit hours, and earn a four-year full in-state tuition scholarship to Murray State if they later enroll and keep qualifying (3.5 GPA and 25 ACT or 1200 SAT). There is no program fee beyond a $250 tuition processing fee, which can be waived for students eligible for free or reduced lunch or an ACT fee waiver. CHA does not automatically admit students to the Honors College.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving high school juniors who are organized early, meet the 3.5 GPA and 25 ACT benchmark, get accepted into CHA, complete the summer program, and then choose Murray State as their college. This is a strong tuition pathway, but it rewards students who know about the program before senior-year scholarship season starts.
Data last verified Sep 11, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
The Presidential Fellowship, Murray’s top honors-track award, is listed in the Flagship section above. Selection for any honors-linked award is competitive and depends on the applicant pool each year.
Deadline Note:December 1 is the priority date for both the Honors College application and the Presidential Fellowship. For CHA, applications open December 1 and are due March 1 of junior year. The 2027 session runs June 12 to July 2, 2027.
What Honors Students Actually Get
Seminar-style classes built around discussion, independent projects, and analytical thinking.
A place to live and belong: the Honors Living Learning Community and an Honors Student Council that runs trips, service projects, and intramural teams.
A dedicated honors advisor who helps students chase internships and prestigious national scholarships.
Travel: Education Abroad options, plus the Jean Lorrah Honors Study Abroad Scholarship through the Education Abroad office.
Honors College FAQs (Murray State University)
Is Honors College admission automatic?
No. It takes a separate Honors application and short essay, and admission is competitive. The only exception is Presidential Fellows, who are accepted automatically but still have to fill out the application.
Does joining the Honors College come with a scholarship?
Not by itself. The honors money at Murray comes through the Presidential Fellowship (which requires Honors participation) and the CHA tuition scholarship. Honors students also have access to honors-specific study abroad funding.
Can out-of-state students attend the Commonwealth Honors Academy?
Yes. CHA accepts high school juniors from Kentucky and other states. Applicants need to be at least 16, have a 3.5 GPA and a 25 ACT (or equivalent), and submit the application, a teacher recommendation, and a counselor form by March 1.
What does CHA cost?
There is no program fee. Families pay a $250 tuition processing fee plus spending money, and the fee can be waived for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch or an ACT fee waiver.
Does CHA put my student in the Honors College?
No. Many CHA students are strong Honors candidates, but they still apply to the Honors College separately.
How is CHA different from the Governor’s Scholars Program?
CHA is three weeks long, hosted only by Murray State, open to out-of-state students, and comes with college credit and a guaranteed Murray scholarship. GSP is a five-week program for Kentucky students. Both can lead to full in-state tuition at Murray with a 3.5 GPA and 25 ACT.
Will AP or dual credit count toward Honors requirements?
It can. The Honors College reviews each transcript individually to see whether AP or dual enrollment courses qualify as honors seminar credit.
Murray State opened in 1922 as a school for training western Kentucky’s teachers, and that practical streak never left. Today it is a university of nearly 10,000 students in a small town in the far southwest corner of Kentucky, and its strongest programs are the ones that lead straight to a job: working with animals and land, protecting networks, keeping workplaces safe, and teaching.
Nationally Known Program: Agriculture and Animal Health: Murray has the largest pre-veterinary and veterinary technology enrollment of any university in Kentucky, and its vet tech program is one of only three in the state fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The university is also building Kentucky’s first College of Veterinary Medicine. If accreditation stays on track, the first class of veterinary students could start as early as fall 2028. For a high schooler who wants to be a vet, that means a pre-vet program sitting next to a future vet school.
Cybersecurity and Network Management: A Kentucky Program of Distinction, and Murray has held the NSA and Department of Homeland Security designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 2019.
Occupational Safety and Health: An ABET-accredited program that trains the people who keep factories, job sites, and hospitals safe. Graduates are eligible for an early professional safety designation on the way to full certification.
Teacher Preparation: Education is where Murray started, and the College of Education and Human Services still offers more than $700,000 in scholarships and support to its students each year.
Business: The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business covers the usual majors plus logistics and supply chain management, which fits a region built on river, rail, and freight.
Engineering Technology and Health Professions: Hands-on engineering technology programs in the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and nursing and allied health through the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
🔗 Official Murray State University Links
Use Murray State’s own pages below to double-check admissions rules, scholarship terms, tuition, and deadlines. When anything on this page and Murray’s site disagree, go with Murray’s site and the Scholarship Office.
Murray State is not the school that dangles a glamorous full-ride lottery in front of every applicant. What it does instead is quieter and, for a lot of families, better: it keeps the price low and predictable. A B-plus student gets automatic money with no test required. A family in Tennessee, Mississippi, or Missouri pays close to the Kentucky rate. A Pell-eligible Kentucky student can have tuition covered completely. And a student with real leadership on the resume has a shot at the Mills Scholarship, which pays for housing and meals too.
The catch is that Murray rewards families who move early. Apply in the fall so the scholarship login exists, get the General Scholarship Application in by February 1 (December 1 if your student has a 28+ ACT and a 3.7+ GPA), file the FAFSA even if you think you will not qualify, and check whether your state or county gets the regional or in-state rate. If your student is headed toward animal health, cybersecurity, workplace safety, or teaching, Murray is worth a hard look on value alone.
Your kid did everything right. That does not mean the money follows.
Most families build a college list first and think about scholarships second, which is backwards. This free four-part series shows you where the money actually comes from, and how to build a list around it.
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Written by Leo Dimilo
I started CollegeReadyParent while working through college costs for my own kid, and quickly figured out that the number a school advertises and the number a family actually pays are two very different things. Since then I’ve gone school by school pulling apart award letters, scholarship pages, and cost sheets to find what families are supposed to just know. This site is the version of that research I wish someone had handed me.
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