STUDENTS AND FACULTY

Enrollment: 7,661.

Student Body: 58% female, 42% male, 27% out-of-state, 2% international (46 countries represented). Asian 1%, African American 6%, Caucasian 85%, Hispanic 1%.

Retention and Graduation: 72% freshmen return for sophomore year. 33% freshmen graduate within 4 years.

Faculty: Student/faculty ratio 16:1. 406 full-time faculty, 77% hold PhDs, 13% are members of minority groups, 41% are women.

ACADEMICS

Degrees: Associate, bachelors, master’s, post-masters certificate.

Classes: Most classes have fewer than 10 students. Most lab/discussion sessions have 10-19 students.

Majors with Highest Enrollment: Business/commerce; elementary education and teaching; nursing/registered nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN).

Special Study Options: Accelerated program, cooperative education program, cross-registration, distance learning, double major, dual enrollment, English as a Second Language (ESL), exchange student program (domestic), external degree program, honors program, independent study, internships, study abroad, teacher certification program, weekend college, agriculture, arts, business/marketing, biological sciences, communications/communication technologies, computer and information sciences, education, engineering/engineering technologies, English, foreign languages, health professions and related sciences, history, home economics, humanities and liberal arts, library sciences, mathematics, natural resources and environmental sciences, natural sciences, parks and recreation, philosophy, physical sciences, protective sciences/public administration, psychology, social/behavioral sciences, technologies, trade and industry, visual and performing arts.

Honors programs: The Honors Program offers a unique educational experience designed to teach able students how to learn, how to think critically and creatively, and how to communicate effectively. Combined degree programs: Engineering program w/ U of L. and U. of Ky. Special programs offered to physically disabled students include note-taking services, tape recorders, tutors.

Career services: Alumni network, alumni services, career/job search classes, career assessment, internships, regional alumni.

FACILITIES

Housing: Coed dorms, special housing for disabled students, men’s dorms, women’s dorms, fraternity/sorority housing, apartments for married students, apartments for single students. All housing is operated under a Residential College system. 96% of campus accessible to physically disabled.

Special Academic Facilities/Equipment: State-of-the-art 73,000 square-foot Student Recreation and Wellness Center nestled in the Residential College housing complex, West Kentucky Museum, 8,500-seat Regional Special Events Center

Computers: 95% of classrooms, 90% of dorms, 100% of libraries, 100% of dining areas, 100% of student union, have wireless network access. Students can register for classes online. Administrative functions (other than registration) can be performed online.

CAMPUS LIFE

Environment: Village.

Activities: Choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/ theater, jazz band, literary magazine, marching band, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student-run film society, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook, campus ministries, international student organization.

Organizations: 175 registered organizations, 30 honor societies, 15 religious organizations. 15 fraternities, 7 sororities.

Athletics (Intercollegiate): Men: Baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross-country, equestrian sports, football, golf, horseback riding, riflery, rodeo, tennis. Women: Basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, equestrian sports, golf, horseback riding, riflery, rodeo, soccer, softball, tennis, track/field (outdoor), volleyball.

On-Campus Highlights: New Student Fitness Center, Curris Student Center, Regional Special Events Center, Equine Center, Residential Colleges. Environmental Initiatives: Guaranteed Energy performance contracting. 6.5 Million Contract Renewable Fuels, BioDiesel, g-35, e-10 Recycling Program Diverting 40% of waste stream from landfill.

ADMISSIONS

Freshman Academic Profile: Average high school GPA 3.53. 27% in top 10% of high school class, 64% in top 25% of high school class, 97% in top 50% of high school class. 80% from public high schools. ACT middle 50% range 21-25. Minimum paper TOEFL 500. Minimum computer TOEFL 173.

Basis for Candidate Selection: Very important factors considered include: Class rank, academic GPA, rigor of secondary school record, standardized test scores. Important factors considered include: Alumni/ae relation, talent/ability Other factors considered include: character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, geographical residence, interview, racial/ethnic status, state residency, volunteer work, work experience.

Freshman Admission Requirements: High school diploma is required and GED is accepted. Academic units required: 4 English, 3 mathematics, 3 science, (1 science labs), 2 foreign language, 3 social studies, 5 academic electives, 2 art appreciation, .5 P.E., .5 health. Academic units recommended: 4 mathematics, 4 science.

Freshman Admission Statistics: 4,227 applied, 78% admitted, 42% enrolled.

Transfer Admission Requirements: College transcript(s), statement of good standing from prior institution(s). Minimum college GPA of 2.0 required. Lowest grade transferable D.

General Admission Information: Application fee $30. Regular application deadline 8/3. Nonfall registration accepted. Admission may be deferred for a maximum of 1 year. Credit offered for CEEB Advanced Placement tests.

COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

Annual in-state tuition $5,388. Annual out-of-state tuition $16,164. Room and board $6,860. Required fees $876. Average book expense $990.

Required Forms and Deadlines: FAFSA, institution’s own financial aid form. Priority financial aid filing date 4/1.

Notification of Awards: Applicants will be notified 6f awards on a rolling basis beginning 4/15.

Types of Aid: Need-based scholarships/grants: Federal Pell, SEOG, state scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own gift aid, Federal Nursing Scholarships. A wide variety of private and Foundation scholarships available. Check out the website www.murraystate.edu. Loans: Direct Subsidized Stafford, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, Direct PLUS, FFEL Subsidized Stafford, FFEL Unsubsidized Stafford, FFEL PLUS, Federal Perkins, Federal Nursing, state loans, college/university loans from institutional funds.

Student Employment: Federal Work-Study Program available. Institutional employment available. Highest amount earned per year from on-campus jobs $3,500. Off-campus job opportunities are good.

Financial Aid Statistics: 57% freshmen, 38% undergrads receive need-based scholarship or grant aid. 33% freshmen, 28% undergrads receive non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. 32% freshmen, 54% undergrads receive need-based self-help aid. 3% freshmen, 4% undergrads receive athletic scholarships. 83% freshmen, 75% undergrads receive any aid. 51% undergrads borrow to pay for school. Average cumulative indebtedness $18,000.

Criteria for awarding institutional aid: Non-need-based: Academics, alumni affiliation, art, athletics, job skills, leadership, minority status, music/drama, state/district residency.