Murray State University recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 34th consecutive year and earns #1 “Best Value School” designation in the South region | Marshall County Daily.com

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University has again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report 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.

While the University has been ranked highly in the regional “Best Value School” category in past years, Murray State earned the #1 “Best Value School” designation in the South region this year.

Further, Murray State ranked as the top Kentucky public regional comprehensive institution in the South in categories including Regional Universities, Top Public Schools, the aforementioned Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans.

Murray State ranks in the South region as follows, each of which are increases from the previous year:

1st – Best Value Schools (#9 last year)

8th – Top Public Schools (#13 last year)

20th – Regional Universities (#31 last year)

7th – Best Colleges for Veterans (#11 last year)

Top 150 Performers on Social Mobility

Murray State has also been recognized as a top university in undergraduate academic programs of business, computer science, engineering, nursing and psychology.

“We are very pleased to receive this national recognition by U.S. News & World Report for the 34th consecutive year as a top-tier university,” said Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson. “Murray State increased its rankings in numerous categories this year when compared to regional peer institutions. This past year, we awarded a record $136 million in scholarships and financial aid to assist our students and families. As our enrollment continues to grow, I’m very appreciative of our faculty and staff, who are committed to providing the best experience possible for our students.”

Recognized as one of America’s best college values, Murray State has been recognized nationally for both quality and value within the past month 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”

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.