Murray State University welcomes one of its largest freshman classes in history

MURRAY, Ky. – Preliminary enrollment data in several key categories reflect continued increases and positive momentum at Murray State University for the 2024-25 academic year, which began on Aug. 20.

Based on University data as of Aug. 27, 2024, this year’s entering freshman class of 1,563 students is the fourth largest in the University’s history and the second largest in the past decade, following last fall’s record-breaking freshmen enrollment.  

Below is a snapshot of the fall 2024 freshman class:

• Murray State freshmen hail from 24 states

• Sixty-two percent of new freshmen are from Kentucky and come from a total of 78 counties in the commonwealth

• Sixty percent of this year’s freshmen have entered the University with earned credit hours toward graduation

• Nearly 11 percent of this year’s freshmen were named high school valedictorians

As of Aug. 27, 2024, the University’s overall enrollment reflects a 5% increase from last fall and is the largest overall enrollment since 2016.

Murray State students come from 49 states, 52 countries and 115 Kentucky counties, and 44% are first generation college students. 

Incoming transfer students reflect a 7.8% increase from last fall and is the largest entering class of transfer students since 2020, while overall international student enrollment indicates a 28% increase from last fall. Murray State’s overall undergraduate student enrollment has grown since last fall and is the largest since 2018. 

The University’s residential housing is at capacity, including the recent acquisition of Station Seventy-Four at Murray State University, which offers apartment-style living. Housing options will be enhanced further with the construction of a new living/learning commons on the residential side of campus. 

The official 2024-25 final enrollment report will be completed later this fall.

“We are very pleased by these preliminary enrollment numbers in many key categories,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “This year’s freshman class as well as last year’s freshman class are two of the largest in the 100+ year history of our institution. Through the hard work of many, we continue to focus on student recruiting, retention, scholarships and financial aid initiatives, quality academic programs, campus enhancements, and importantly, supporting our students in every way possible throughout their entire college experience.” 

Murray State continues to reinforce its “high-quality, high-impact, nationally-recognized best value” promise that has been identified by multiple publications. Within the past year, the University has been named a “Best Bang for the Buck” by Washington Monthly, one of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes, as well as a “Top-Tier University” by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 consecutive years.

Based on the University’s most recent data, a record $136 million is awarded annually to students in financial aid and scholarships, and among its freshman class, 99 percent received a scholarship or financial aid. 

Prospective students who are interested in joining the Racer family for the 2025-2026 academic year can learn more, schedule a campus visit and apply for admission at admissions.murraystate.edu.