What Is It Known For?
Murray State College was founded in 1908 through Oklahoma SB 100, initially serving 100 students, many of Chickasaw and Choctaw heritage. Over the years, it evolved from an agricultural school to a comprehensive college, adding programs like Nursing, Computer Science, and Veterinary Technology. The school’s name changed several times, finally becoming Murray State College in 1972.
Today, the Tishomingo campus offers a traditional college experience with dorms, student activities, and modern facilities. With over 54 degree programs, 15+ online degrees, and 14+ certificates, Murray State serves around 2,282 full-time undergraduates as of Fall 2024.
Degrees & Certifications
The school offers a wide range of programs, including:
- Child Development
- Health Science
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Industrial Engineering Technology
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Murray State College offers online courses that can be completed at any time, making it convenient for students to study according to their own schedules, even in the evenings. These flexible courses allow students to balance their education with other commitments.
Additionally, some health-related programs incorporate externships or clinical experiences, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Murray State College is a reputable institution. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds other key affiliations.
Acceptance Rate
Murray State College has an impressive acceptance rate of 100%, welcoming all students who meet the basic admission requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Murray State College charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, with different rates depending on your residency and whether you’re taking online or on-campus courses. Below is a breakdown of the tuition costs:
- In-state students (on-campus): $172 per credit hour
- In-state students (online): $207 per credit hour
- Non-resident students (on-campus): $333 per credit hour
- Non-resident students (online): $368 per credit hour
To get a more accurate estimate of your total costs, including potential financial aid, the school provides a net price calculator for convenience.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Hospitality Management
- Communication
- Business Administration
Criminal Justice & Law
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Medical Office Assistant
- Health Science
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Veterinary Nursing
Skilled Trades
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Gunsmithing
Technology
- Computer Information Systems (A.A.S.)
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
Ardmore 2901 Mt. Washington Rd. Ardmore, OK 73401
Tishomingo 1 Murray Campus St. Tishomingo, OK 73460
Reviews
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Dedicated and Helpful Professors: The faculty is consistently highlighted as the college’s biggest strength. Professors are described as “extremely helpful,” caring about student success, and “just AMAZING,” particularly the Nursing instructors.
Welcoming and Small Campus: Reviewers describe the campus as a “nice little college” with a spacious, clean, and beautiful environment. The small-town, close-knit atmosphere is a positive for many, bringing back good memories for alumni.
Diverse Curriculum and Opportunities: The college is noted for being unexpectedly diverse for a small town, drawing students from other states and countries. It is praised for having a “well rounded curriculum” and hosting college sports.
Specific Program Strength: The Nursing program is repeatedly singled out as a highly positive experience, with instructors earning high marks for their quality and dedication.
Common Criticisms
Poor Financial Aid Department: This is the most significant and recurring complaint. Students report that the Financial Aid Department is unprofessional, unhelpful, and disorganized, often “jack[ing] around sending you to other people.” One reviewer stated that Financial Aid “DOES NOT CARE” about students, particularly those who are financially struggling.
General Administrative and Organization Issues: Critics describe the college as the “most unprofessional and unorganized group” they have paid money to. Complaints include: Administrative staff being unhelpful, conflicting due dates for certain programs (e.g., Nursing) and poor janitorial service in some buildings.
Technology and Facilities: Older reviews mention that the college’s technology is “ancient” and that the one available IT person is “literally never available.”
Momentum
The momentum is split. The most recent reviews (within the last 7 months) continue the strong, positive trend for the professors and the overall academic experience. However, the most recent detailed criticism also reinforces the long-standing problem with the Financial Aid Department, indicating that administrative and organizational issues are an ongoing challenge that undermines the college’s academic strengths.