MURRAY, Ky. — As Murray State University proceeds with its “Racer Restart” initiative and planning process for the fall 2020 semester, the University continues to receive applications and admit students for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year, all while assisting incoming and current students to fulfill its student-centered mission.
“During these past several weeks, I’m very proud of how our University and broader community have come together to thoughtfully assist our current students, our incoming students and prospective students who have reached out to us and are considering Murray State,” said University President Dr. Bob Jackson. “On a daily basis, we continue to hear from interested students and families, some of whom are within 100 miles or so of Murray and are perhaps re-considering their college options to remain closer to home. Simply put, we are here to help in any way we can. Despite the ongoing realities taking place at this time, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide an experience for our students that is nationally-regarded in both quality and value.”
Several initiatives, opportunities and resources include the following:
Racers Give: the University’s current campaign through the newly-established Racer Sustainability Fund has raised more than $180,000 and hopes to raise at least $250,000 in private support to assist both incoming and current students beginning this fall with tuition, housing, dining and textbook expenses. The Racers Give scholarship committee is currently reviewing awards for money to be awarded to both new and current students through the campaign. To contribute to the Racers Give campaign, please visit give.murraystate.edu.
Scholarship awards: While the 2020-21 scholarship deadline has passed, students can still apply and possibly be awarded a scholarship as an alternate selection, as is the case for many students each year. Through the University’s most recent reports, $117 million was offered in financial aid and scholarships. Based on test scores and GPA, academic achievement scholarships are awarded to students at the time of admission and range from $1,500 to full tuition annually, for up to four years at the University.
Complete the FAFSA: Students and families are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as the FAFSA is required in order to receive financial aid, such as a Pell Grant or other federal money. Individuals can apply at fafsa.ed.gov and use Murray State code 001977.
Murray State Promise: The University continues to offer the Murray State Promise as qualifying first-time freshman and new transfer students may already have their tuition paid for through this program. Individuals can visit murraystate.edu/promise for a list of eligibility requirements or contact the Scholarship Office at 800-272-4678 ext. 4 or msu.scholarships@murraystate.
Virtual one-on-one visits and campus tours for future Racers: As Murray State prepares for the fall semester, prospective students interested in joining the Racer Family can learn more, schedule a virtual campus visit, and apply for admission today for the coming fall at admissions.murraystate.edu. Individuals and their families can go to murraystate.edu/visit to take a virtual campus tour as well as schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Murray State staff member virtually through Zoom or by phone.
Students and families can also schedule a virtual one-on-one meeting to discuss financial aid and payment plans at https://bit.ly/35GJkFe.
University maintains current tuition and fee rates with no increase for 2020-21 academic year: Murray State University’s Board of Regents recently approved maintaining the institution’s current tuition and fee rates as opposed to a tuition increase, per a recommendation from the administration, inclusive of both undergraduate and graduate students for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year. The cost of parking permits will remain the same for the upcoming academic year as well. Within the past year, Murray State has been recognized as a “Best Bang for the Buck” by Washington Monthly, one of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes for the 12th consecutive year and a top-tier university by U.S. News & World Report for the 29th straight year.
Summer Orientation: Murray State has transitioned 2020 Summer Orientation to an online, virtual-based format as a proactive and precautionary measure amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online Summer Orientation sessions offer the opportunity for new Racers to schedule classes, participate in virtual campus tours, meet current students, faculty and staff, learn key information and take part in other special activities and programs. Additionally, parents and families can participate in specially-designed virtual orientation programs that are offered alongside their student’s experience and cover topics ranging from campus life to financial aid.
A required event, admitted students for the fall 2020 semester who have not yet registered for Summer Orientation can visit murraystate.edu/summero.
CARES Act: The University’s CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Funding application is open. Through the Federal CARES Act, the University has received funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare and childcare. Students who have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus can complete the application within the University’s myGate portal in the Financial Aid Forms channel on the Financial Aid/Scholarships tab, and are asked to complete by Friday, May 15, 2020 for priority consideration. Completion of the application does not guarantee eligibility or receipt of funding.
Summer classes: Registration for summer 2020 courses is open for current and prospective students. Nearly 400 online courses are offered throughout the summer term. Summer courses offer several benefits, including flexible scheduling and a reduced workload for future semesters as students continue their pathway toward graduation. Murray State accommodates undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines and schedules by offering short-term (two-week), five-week and 10-week sessions. Visit murraystate.edu/summer to learn more and register. Individuals who are not current Murray State students but are interested in taking a summer class may have their $40 application fee waived. For more information, email msu.transfercenter@ murraystate.edu or call 270-809-3350.
Racer Restart initiative: The University recently announced its “Racer Restart” initiative and planning process to collaboratively, thoughtfully and proactively restart campus for the fall 2020 semester. A Fall 2020 Racer Restart Committee and associated subcommittees comprised of various areas of the institution are addressing multiple areas such as academic affairs, administrative operations, athletics and more in adherence to all state and federal guidelines, along with a set of guiding principles rooted in the health, safety and well-being of the campus and broader community.