Freshman Admissions
Ready to become a Racer?
Start your journey.
We are leaders. We are family. We are Racers.
Recognized as one of America’s best values, Murray State offers a high-quality, high-impact, life-defining college experience that prepares you for personal and professional success. Our students are forward-moving and future-thinking. Racers have a relentless pursuit to any goal, like our Thoroughbred racehorse namesakes. A special living and learning community is waiting for you at Murray State.
Discover what you love
When you choose Murray State University, you get endless opportunities to pursue your passion. We make sure of it with 146 academic programs that offer small class sizes, individualized attention and hands-on experiences. No matter your major, our supportive faculty and staff are here to help you succeed.
Murray State at a glance
9,456 enrolled
The Racer family stretches far and wide. Our students represent 45 countries and 48 states. But, we still value small class sizes with a 16:1 student to faculty ratio.
Nationally recognized
We're proud to be named a 'Best Bang for the Buck' by Washington Monthly, a top-tier university by U.S. News & World Report for over 30 straight years, and one of 'America's Top Colleges' by Forbes.
80,000+ Alumni
We've accumulated a lot of alumni since 1922. Murray State alumni are spread all over the globe, but they are always Racers at heart.
One Racer family
Murray State is a place where you belong. We welcome Racers from all walks of life, socioeconomic background, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and more. Murray State has been named #1 in campus safety initiatives by Safe Campus and the city of Murray was named among the top 50 safest college towns by Safe Wise. We provide on-campus health services to students with on-site physicians, nurses and staff, along with after-hours access. As part of the Racer family, you will join a community that is inclusive, friendly, accessible and where you can truly be yourself.
“Murray State was not too close but not too far from home, and it felt like a friendly and safe environment: a home away from home."
Customize your experience
College is a completely unique time in your life that you’ll remember forever. So why not make it exactly what you want it to be? Murray State offers something for everyone with a variety of ways to have fun and get involved.
What we offer
15 NCAA teams
Murray State is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and competes at the NCAA Division I level including the Football Championship Subdivision. Sports include basketball, football, cross country, track and field, golf, rifle, tennis, volleyball, softball and soccer.
100 years of making traditions
All Campus Sing, Campus Lights, Racer One rounding the track, tacking shoes to The Shoe Tree... Murray State traditions are one-of-a-kind.
25 intramural teams and sports
Compete with your residential college or your favorite student organization. Sports include basketball, softball, flag football, soccer, badminton, volleyball, and so much more.
8 Residential Colleges
Consider it your tight-knit community within the larger University community. You'll meet fellow students, have a lot of fun, and get connected to faculty.
170+ student organizations
Murray State boasts organizations for archery, rowing, debate, social justice, the LGBTQIA community, honor societies, professional societies and so much more. With over 170 options, you're bound to find the organization that's right for you.
Goals, dreams, outcomes
Murray State’s Career Services team is committed to helping you land the internship or post-graduation job of your dreams. Polish your resume with the writing team, find your new look with free professional attire from the Career Closet, pick up a suit or blouse at the JCPenney Suit-Up sale and check out internship opportunities from nearly 4,300 employers through Handshake, Career Services’s online career management platform.
One of America's best college values
99% of freshmen students received a scholarship or financial aid, based on our most recent reports. We also have the highest percentage of undergraduate students who graduate with no known student loan debt among all Kentucky public institutions.
How much will it cost?
Take the next step
1. Apply to Murray State
Take the first step today in joining the Racer family! Our ACT/SAT test-optional admissions
process gives flexibility to more students in recognizing the success and accomplishments
throughout your high school career!
2. Request financial aid
Once admitted, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible for priority review and awarding.
3. Apply for scholarships
Murray State disbursed approximately $115 million in scholarships, grants and tuition
waivers based on our most recent reports.
4. Visit campus
Come see our beautiful campus and meet current students, faculty and staff. Or schedule
a virtual visit and connect with our Admissions staff wherever you are.
5. Check out housing & dining
Chick-fil-A, Steak 'n Shake, Einstein Bros. Bagels and much more. Getting hungry yet? Our residence halls are just a short walk from classes, dining venues and campus events.
6. Attend events
Admitted student weekend and Racer Nation Orientation will bring you to campus for fun activities and programs!
