MSU receives #1 “Best Value School” designation as part of U.S. News & World Report rankings

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University received the #1 “Best Value School” designation in the South region by U.S. News and World Report as part of the publication’s annual rankings by the reputable national college guide.

Ranked #9 regionally last year in the best value category, Murray State’s top spot in the South region was secured as a record $136 million in scholarships and financial aid was awarded to students based on the University’s most recent data. Murray State currently has its largest enrollment since 2016. 

“While Murray State University has been recognized nationally for many years by U.S. News and World Report, to be recognized as the #1 best value in our region is a very significant accolade that truly reflects the quality and value of a Murray State education,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “Led by our dedicated faculty and staff, students receive a world-class experience that prepares them for success following graduation. We offer nearly 150 academic programs and 180 campus organizations to support our students throughout their college journey and into the career of their choosing. This is an exciting time to be a Racer!” 

As part of the recent U.S. News and World Report rankings, Murray State was recognized as one of the top universities in the country in multiple categories, marking the institution’s 34th consecutive year of top-tier rankings by the national college guide.

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. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and can be stacked on top of competitive scholarships and financial aid students receive.

Numerous scholarships and aid opportunities are available, such as the Murray State Promise, which covers the cost of tuition for eligible Kentucky first-time freshmen and new transfer students. 

Preliminary enrollment data indicates that Murray State’s fall 2024 freshman class 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, as well as the largest overall enrollment since 2016.

Admission for the 2025-26 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.