City of Murray, Kentucky named nominee for Best Small College Town in USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards

MURRAY, Ky. — The city of Murray, Kentucky, home of Murray State University, has once again been nominated for Best Small College Town in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. 

Voting is currently underway and will end on March 30 at 10:59 a.m. CT. Individuals can vote for Murray, Kentucky by visiting tinyurl.com/VoteMKY.  

This grassroots campaign helps to bring a national focus to the local region, while providing USA TODAY readers with trusted recommendations. Nominations are done by an expert panel and finalized with editorial review by USA TODAY 10 Best editors. 

In 2025, Murray was awarded the fourth spot in the Best Small College Town category.

Murray, Kentucky is home to Murray State University, a nationally recognized institution with a 30+ year consecutive streak of top-tier rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1922, the University is a comprehensive institution offering 148 academic programs and more than 170 student organizations. 

From the Murray State website, “Students of Murray State are regularly enchanted by the welcoming atmosphere and charm of Murray and, when visiting, instantly get that feeling of – ‘this feels like home.’ Our students' parents and family members are always pleased to experience Murray's safe environment and the small-town vibe.”

This year's top 10 will be announced on April 8.