Murray State University’s fall 2026 enrollment indicates growth and momentum in numerous categories
By MSU Public Relations | Nov 5, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s fall 2026 enrollment report indicates continued momentum and increases in multiple categories.
Murray State’s total enrollment of 10,010 students (8,449 undergraduate students and 1,561 graduate students) is its second-largest student body over the past decade and includes students from 114 Kentucky counties, 49 states and 55 countries.
Student progression and success metrics also reflect continued positive momentum. The University’s first-time, full-time freshmen retention rate has risen to 80.4%, with a persistence rate of 92% for first-time freshmen. The average time for a Murray State student to earn an undergraduate degree is 3.99 years, which leads Kentucky public postsecondary institutions, and is the first time in University history to measure below four years.
This year’s freshman class of 1,523 students (a 2% increase from last year) is the third-largest freshman class over the past decade and carries the highest GPA among Murray State’s freshman classes in the past decade. The University continues to experience an increasing number of incoming students from neighboring states of Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and Indiana.
More and more freshmen (71.5% of this year’s freshman class) are carrying earned college credit hours when enrolling at Murray State — the highest percentage recorded at the University over the past decade. Racer Academy, Murray State’s dual credit program for high school students, has 1,035 enrolled students — a 10% increase over last year.
“Our fall 2026 enrollment reflects the continued confidence which students and families place in Murray State University and our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience that combines academic quality, affordability and student success,” said Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “We are particularly encouraged by the progress we are making in student retention and persistence, as well as the historic achievement of our students earning their undergraduate degrees in less than four years on average. From our growing freshman class and Racer Academy to the increasing number of students arriving with college credit already earned, we are creating meaningful pathways to higher education and helping more students achieve their goals. I am grateful to our faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who make this progress possible as we continue to put students first and strengthen our impact across the Commonwealth and beyond.”
Recognized as one of America’s best college values, Murray State has been noted nationally for both quality and value by the following publications:
U.S. News and World Report - Top-Tier University - 35+ consecutive years
Washington Monthly - “Best Colleges”
Money Magazine - “Best Colleges”
Murray State has also been recognized as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, has achieved gold-level status by Military Friendly as a Military Friendly school, while the city of Murray has been noted by USA Today as one of America’s Top 10 Best Small College Towns. Murray offers nearly 150 academic programs ranging from agriculture, business and music to cybersecurity, healthcare and education. A record $140 million was offered in financial aid and scholarships, based on the University’s most recent reports.
Admission for the fall 2027 semester and 2027-28 academic year at Murray State University is open as future Racers can apply today at admissions.murraystate.edu. Students interested in joining the Racer family can also learn more as well as schedule a campus visit by calling the Office of Recruitment at 270-809-2896 or emailing msu.recruitment@murraystate.edu.
Murray State will host a Racer Day event on Saturday, Nov. 14 beginning at 8 a.m. Geared toward prospective students and families, the open-house style event will provide helpful information through sessions with recruitment and admissions staff, financial aid and scholarships, housing and more. Attendees can also attend a session with their academic area of interest and take a tour of campus. Students will have the opportunity to complete the on-site admission process and are encouraged to bring their official transcript and test scores.
Registration for the free event is available at murraystate.edu/racerdays. Those with questions can email msu.newstudentprograms@murraystate.edu or call 270-809-2896.