Kiplinger has recognized Murray State University for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top 100 best values among public universities across the nation on Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2008-09. Murray State is the only public university in Kentucky included in the rankings, which feature schools that excel at combining first-class academics with an affordable price tag.
The study places Murray second based on total cost for out-of-state students to attend and third for costs to out-of-state students after financial aid is applied, making it a solid choice for students outside of Kentucky who chose MSU as their place to enroll. Additionally, the university was ranked in the top 15 publics throughout the nation for in-state total costs for students.
Nationwide data from more than 500 public four-year colleges and universities is combined with Kiplinger’s own reporting for the study results. Academic quality factors include SAT and ACT freshman class scoring, admission rates, freshman retention rates, student-faculty ratios and graduation rates. Each school is then ranked on its costs and financial aid specifics.
“We have been able to keep our tuition cost affordable, yet we continue to build new buildings and programs, add scholarships and develop the minds of outstanding future graduates. This kind of national recognition, year after year, underscores the university’s dedication to providing a top quality education that delivers value for our students’ investment,” said Dunn.
“In our scoring system, academic quality carries more weight than costs. To break ties, we use academic-quality scores and average debt at graduation,” Kiplinger officials noted.
This recognition for Murray State University joins other recent honors including top rankings for the university by U.S.News & World Report America’s Best Colleges for the 18th consecutive year, a nod from ESPN for having one of the country’s top 30 all-time men’s basketball programs, and notice from Forbes.com for being one of “America’s Best Colleges.”
Kiplinger has recognized Murray State University for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top 100 best values among public universities across the nation on Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2008-09. Murray State is the only public university in Kentucky included in the rankings, which feature schools that excel at combining first-class academics with an affordable price tag.
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