Frequently Asked Questions

Are international students considered for Academic Achievement Scholarships at Murray State University?

No, international students are not considered for the Academic Achievement awards at Murray State University. Students are encouraged to submit the General Scholarship Application to apply for competitive awards.

Students should also look at our International Students Scholarship page for additional scholarship opportunities to help fund their education.

I was offered a Murray State freshman Academic Achievement Scholarship last fall, but decided to attend another university. I would now like to transfer to Murray State. Can I still receive my previous scholarship offer?

Unfortunately, we are not able to re-award past scholarship offers. Attendance at another post-secondary institution of higher education - after high school graduation - reclassifies a student as a Transfer Student per university guidelines. As such, Transfer Students are not eligible to receive new freshmen awards, although you may meet the requirements to receive one of our Transfer Scholarships.

I am a ¹Kentucky Governor's School participant and I plan to transfer from/to Murray State University. Can my scholarship transfer to Murray State?

¹(Governor's Scholars Program (GSP) / Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) / Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE))

Unfortunately, we are not able to re-award past scholarship offers. Attendance at another post-secondary institution of higher education - after high school graduation - reclassifies a student as a Transfer Student per university guidelines. As such, Transfer Students are not eligible to receive new freshmen awards such as the GSP/GSA/GSE, although you may meet the requirements to receive one of our Transfer Scholarships.

Which ACT and SAT scores are considered for academic scholarships?

Eligibility for Academic Achievement Scholarship consideration is based on the highest ACT composite or SAT math and evidence-based reading and writing (M+EBRW) total score. Combined scores, also known as a superscore, from two or more tests will not be considered for scholarship awards.

If I retake the ACT or SAT and my scores increase, can I be reconsidered for academic scholarships?

Yes, we will accept updated test scores and GPA for incoming first-time freshmen through August 14, 2023. Official transcripts and test scores should be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. (msu.admissions@murraystate.edu) or (800-272-4678 ext. 4).

What type of GPA is used for academic scholarship consideration?

For Academic Achievement and competitive scholarship consideration, we consider a weighted or unweighted (whichever is higher) GPA on a 4.0 scale. Revisions to academic and competitive scholarships may be made based upon receipt of final high school transcript.

What if I am off on one (or both) of the criteria by only 10 points or .01 GPA?

Students must meet both the minimum ACT/SAT score and GPA requirements to be considered. There is no flexibility in meeting the minimum requirements.

Are transfer students considered for academic scholarships?

New Transfer Students are eligible for our Transfer Scholarships provided they meet the requirements. Readmitted Transfer Students (i.e. students that previously attended Murray State and are transferring back from another institution) are not eligible to receive our Transfer Scholarships. They are, however, encouraged to apply for competitive scholarships through the General Scholarship Application.

Will students who graduate early (December) from high school and then begin college the following spring semester (a few weeks later) be considered for academic scholarships?

Yes, students admitted to the spring semester are eligible to receive new freshmen Academic Achievement awards. Academic Achievement awards are valid for eight consecutive semesters, or until the conferment of your first degree.

Why was my academic scholarship amount reduced?

Student Financial Services must actively monitor and modify students' financial aid awards, which includes institutional scholarships, to ensure there are no instances of overawarding or overpayments. This is done to adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations. A student's non-refundable institutional scholarship (e.g. Academic Achievement, Presidential Fellowship, Marvin D. Mills, etc.) can be reduced if the student's account is in overaward status, or if the student's account has gift aid that exceeds the current charges.

1. Overaward Policy - Please see the FAQ question above titled "Is there an overaward policy?" to get a full breakdown on the definition of Murray State's overaward policy.

2. Gift Aid Exceeding Charges - If this scholarship, when combined with any federal, state, or private need-based or non-need-based awards, results in there being more gift aid than charges on the account, then any non-refundable institutional scholarship will be reduced to bring the account into balance according to Murray State University policy. In the event that this occurs, the Murray State Scholarship Office will contact the student to discuss any options that may be available to the student when a reduction occurs. 

Do I need to be enrolled full-time in order to receive my Academic Achievement Scholarship?

Yes, students must be enrolled full-time at Murray State University (12 undergraduate credit hours or greater) during all semesters.

Students must earn (complete and pass) 24 or more credit hours per academic year (August-May). Concurrent enrollment will not count towards full-time status, nor will it count towards the required 24 earned hours per academic year.

What if I graduate early from Murray State and do not use all eight (8) semesters of my Academic Achievement Scholarship?

Academic Achievement Scholarships are renewable for four consecutive years (eight semesters), or until the bachelor's degree is obtained, whichever occurs first. If a student graduates before using the full eight semesters, the scholarship is considered fully utilized.

I am a current Murray State student receiving an Academic Achievement Scholarship. I will be co-oping, studying abroad, or completing an internship next semester, how will that affect my academic scholarship?

Co-op/Internship - Students who have elected to participate in a co-op or internship program may request to defer their scholarships for use in a future semester.

Study Abroad - In many cases Academic Achievement Scholarships can be applied towards eligible study abroad program charges. For more information regarding specific programs contact the Education Abroad Office and Student Financial Services regarding your intent to study abroad.

I plan to enroll in an Accelerated Graduate Program (4+1). May I still receive my renewable undergraduate scholarship while taking graduate level courses?

Yes, students can still utilize their Academic Achievement Scholarships for graduate level courses as long as they are classified as an undergraduate student through an Accelerated Graduate Program (4+1). Academic Achievement Scholarships cannot exceed a maximum of eight semesters.

What are the renewal requirements for my scholarship?

Will my summer grades count toward my cumulative GPA for scholarship renewal purposes?

Scholarship eligibility is checked at the end of each spring term. Any courses taken during the summer intersession will not count toward your cumulative GPA for scholarship purposes until the close of the following spring term.

Will my winter intersession grades and hours count for scholarship renewal purposes?

Scholarship eligibility is checked at the end of each spring term. Any courses taken during the winter intersession will count toward your cumulative GPA and credit hour enrollment requirement for scholarship purposes at the close of the spring term.

What if I did not meet the renewal requirements for my Academic Achievement Scholarship?

The Scholarship Office performs an audit of student accounts at the end of the spring semester to determine scholarship renewal eligibility. If a student does not meet the renewal requirements, they will be given the opportunity to submit an appeal application. An email will be sent following the conclusion of the spring semester audit with instructions on how to complete the appeal application.

What if I lost my scholarship eligibility, can I earn it back at a later date if my GPA improves or if I am full-time?

Scholarships that have been removed due to not meeting the renewal requirements cannot be reinstated at a later date. For more information regarding the appeal process, see below.

How will I be notified if I have received a scholarship?

Academic Achievement Scholarships are awarded to students based on their admissions criterion. Students will receive an offer in the mail and by email once eligibility is determined.

Competitive scholarship notifications will be sent to student's Murray State email address by mid-March.

How do I accept my academic scholarship once I am awarded?

Once you have been notified that you have received a scholarship, you can go to Scholarship Manager to login and accept your award. Otherwise, the instructions are listed below:

1. Login to myGate
2. Navigate to the Financial Aid/Scholarship tab
3. Under "Awards" - select "Accept MSU Scholarships"
4. Select "Login Here"
5. Select "My Awards" and choose accept by any outstanding offers.