Head-to-head · 2026
Murray State University vs University of Louisville
Compare average net price ($9,096 at Murray State University; $17,988 at University of Louisville), ROI score (12.30 vs 7.49), ten-year median earnings ($44,737 vs $53,899), and admissions selectivity (85.7% acceptance at Murray State University; 79.4% at University of Louisville) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. Murray State University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Murray State University | University of Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.30 ✓ | 7.49 |
| Avg net price | $9,096 ✓ | $17,988 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,737 | $53,899 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 85.7% | 79.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 61.3% ✓ | 61.2% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 6,688 | 14,727 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1133 | 1150 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Louisville costs $8,892 more per year than Murray State University ($17,988 vs $9,096). University of Louisville graduates report $9,162 higher median earnings after ten years ($53,899 vs $44,737). On EduGradify's model that puts Murray State University ahead on projected ROI (12.30 vs 7.49, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Murray State University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Murray State University is accessible at 85.7% acceptance versus 79.4% (accessible) at University of Louisville.
Frequently asked
Murray State University vs University of Louisville, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Murray State University or University of Louisville the better value?
Murray State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.30 vs 7.49), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Murray State University is cheaper — average net price $9,096 per year vs $17,988 at University of Louisville. The annual difference of $8,892 adds up to about $35,568 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Louisville reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $53,899 vs $44,737 at Murray State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,162.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Louisville is more selective at 79.4% acceptance vs 85.7% at Murray State University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Murray State University reports a A value grade; University of Louisville reports B.