Murray State University recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report
By MSU Public Relations | Sep 22, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 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鈥檚 36th consecutive year of high rankings by the national college guide, which recently published its 2027 Best Colleges list. The publication continues to recognize the value that Murray State鈥檚 faculty and staff provide in a students-first mindset.
Within the South cohort of universities in Kentucky as well as the local vicinity of Murray State University, the University ranks the highest in the following categories: Regional Universities, Top Public Schools for Regional Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value for Regional Universities and Best Value for In-State Students. Moreover, among all regional universities in the South, Murray State holds prominent positions in the following categories: a top 5 ranking for Best Value for In-State Students, among the top 10 Public Schools and top 9 Best Colleges for Veterans.
The specific rankings for the University demonstrate the targeted focus on affordability, dedication to students and alignment with goals to aid students in their journey to become better citizens, critical thinkers and resilient leaders.
Murray State ranks in the South region as follows:
Regional Universities - #22 (tied)
Top Public Schools - Regional Universities - #10 (tied)
Best Value - Regional Universities - #17
Best Value In-State - Regional Universities - #5
Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Universities - #9 (tied)
Undergraduate Engineering Non-Doctorate - #106 (tied)
Undergraduate Nursing - #243 (tied)
鈥淩ecognition from U.S. News & World Report reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who work each day to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students,鈥� said Murray State President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. 鈥淲e are proud of the continued national recognition of Murray State and the value of a Racer education. Our commitment to student success, academic excellence and preparing graduates for meaningful careers remains at the heart of everything we do.鈥�
Recognized as one of America鈥檚 best college values, Murray State has been noted nationally for both quality and value by the following publications:
Washington Monthly - 鈥淏est Bang for the Buck鈥�
Money Magazine - 鈥淏est Colleges鈥�
Wall Street Journal - 鈥淏est Colleges in the United States鈥�
Niche - 鈥淏est Colleges in Kentucky鈥�
Colleges of Distinction - 鈥淏est Colleges鈥�
Murray State has also been recognized as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, is a 鈥淭op Yellow Ribbon School鈥� by U.S. Veterans Magazine and earned gold-level designation as a 2026-2027 Military Friendly庐 School.
Admission for the 2027-28 academic year at Murray State University is open as future
Racers can apply today at . 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.