Murray State recognized nationally by Colleges of Distinction
By MSU Public Relations | Jun 16, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University has been recognized nationally by Colleges of Distinction in its recent “Best Colleges 2026” rankings.
Murray State was honored as a Best College 2026-2027 and also earned state, public university and affordability distinctions.
Additionally, the University’s business, education, engineering and nursing programs were acknowledged individually in the rankings with their own “Best Colleges 2026” distinctions.
According to its website, Colleges of Distinction was created in 2000 to help students and their parents navigate the overwhelming process of selecting the right school. The organization aims to help parents and students find not just the “best” college, but the right one. Colleges of Distinction recognizes schools that deliver on four overarching distinctions: student engagement, teaching, community and outcomes.
Learn more about Colleges of Distinction’s selection process at bit.ly/4fGav9c.
Colleges of Distinction also recognized Murray State in its “Best Affordable College” rankings in 2025.
Murray State has been recognized nationally for both quality and value by the following publications:
- U.S. News & World Report - 30+ consecutive years as a top-tier university
- Washington Monthly - “Best Bang for the Buck”
- Wall Street Journal - “Best Colleges in the United States”
- Niche - “Best Colleges in Kentucky”
Murray State has also been recognized as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network
and by Military Friendly as a Military Friendly school.
Admission for the fall 2026 semester and 2026-27 academic year at Murray State University is open as future Racers should 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.