Murray State University fall enrollment indicates stability and growth in a number of key categories

By Shawn Touney | Nov 15, 2021

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s Fall 2021 enrollment indicates many positive trends, including stability with overall enrollment as well as continued growth in multiple student classifications.

Below is a snapshot of this fall’s enrollment:

• • • • Both first-time transfer students and first-time graduate students reflect double digit percentage increases when compared to Fall 2019 - an 11.8% increase in first-time transfer students and a nearly 30% increase in first-time graduate students from two years ago. 

      • Total graduate student enrollment of 1,692 students is the largest since 2016 and reflects a 25% increase from two years ago.

      • Total international student enrollment of 511 students reflects a 48% increase from two years ago.

      • This year’s freshman class comes from 27 different states, 77 counties in Kentucky, has 9.3% more valedictorians from last year and grew 2.7% in underrepresented minority students from Fall 2019.

      • Total headcount as of Fall 2021 census day is 9,427 students — just 29 students fewer from last fall’s overall enrollment. In 2021, a total of 2,197 degrees were conferred to Murray State graduates.

      • The student body represents 47 states, 50 countries and 113 counties in Kentucky. 

"We outperformed many national enrollment trends this past year with stability and sustained growth in a number of key classifications,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “As we approach our centennial in 2022, Murray State University will continue to provide nationally-recognized academic programs which are recognized for both quality and value at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for our students.” 

Murray State continues to reinforce its “high-quality, high-impact, nationally-recognized best value” promise that has been identified by multiple publications this fall. 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. 

The University offers 146 academic programs and more than 170 student organizations, encompassing a variety of shared academic and personal interests. 

Murray State continues to offer financial assistance to Racers and their families. Based on the University’s most recent annual reports, more than $115 million was awarded in financial aid and scholarships and 99 percent of Murray State’s freshman class received financial aid or a scholarship. 

Students interested in joining the Racer Family can learn more, schedule a virtual or on-campus visit and apply for admission at admissions.murraystate.edu.