MSU Promise offered as statewide tuition assistance program for qualifying first-time freshmen and new transfer students

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University continues to offer the Murray State Promise as first-time freshmen and new transfer students throughout the state of Kentucky may be eligible for this tuition assistance program.

The program provides scholarship assistance to help pay for tuition and mandatory fees if the student's combined federal, state, institutional and private gift aid total is less than the cost of Murray State's tuition (12-15 hours).

Recognized nationally as one of America’s best college values, Murray State is the #1 “Best Value School” in the South region by U.S. News and World Report as part of the publication’s annual rankings.

Murray State has been recognized nationally for both quality and value by the following publications:

• • • Washington Monthly - “Best Bang for the Buck” 

    • Wall Street Journal - “Best Colleges in the United States” 

    • Niche - “Best Colleges in Kentucky”

    • Colleges of Distinction - a “2024-25 Best College” 

Murray State has also been recognized as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network and has achieved silver status by Military Friendly as a Military Friendly school for 2024-25.

“The Murray State Promise is significant for qualifying students and their families in that their tuition may already be fully covered through this program,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “Access and affordability are important considerations for many families as they determine the future of their student’s education. Murray State remains committed to providing an impactful education that is recognized as one of America’s best values as recent national accolades have indicated.”  

Murray State has an expanded regional tuition rate that includes a total of 15 states across the country. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Murray State also offers enhanced academic achievement scholarships to emphasize GPA for entering freshmen students. 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% received a scholarship or financial aid. 

Individuals are encouraged to learn more by visiting murraystate.edu/promise or contacting the Scholarship Office at (800) 272-4678 or msu.scholarships@murraystate.edu.

Individuals interested in learning more about Murray State, scheduling a campus visit or applying for admission can visit admissions.murraystate.edu. Future Racers are encouraged to apply for admission now as both the 2025-26 general scholarship application and housing application are currently open for admitted students. The general scholarship application deadline is Feb. 3, 2025, while housing room assignments are based on when admitted students submit the housing application.