Degree Dividend
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Murray State University vs Alice Lloyd College: which has better ROI?

Public, Murray KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Pippa Passes KY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Murray State University comes closer — median earnings $44,737 against a $36,384 total, vs $40,573 at Alice Lloyd College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMurray State UniversityAlice Lloyd College
Net price / yr$9,096$18,600
Total net cost$36,384$74,400
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,737$40,573
Median debt$20,500$19,599
Payback
20-year net return-$108,844-$230,140

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Murray State University or Alice Lloyd College?

Murray State University, at $9,096 a year after aid versus $18,600 — a gap of $9,504 a year, or $38,016 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Murray State University or Alice Lloyd College graduates earn more?

Murray State University graduates report a median $44,737 ten years after entry, $4,164 more than the $40,573 at Alice Lloyd College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Murray State University or Alice Lloyd College?

Alice Lloyd College: its completers carry a median $19,599 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Murray State University, a difference of $901. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at Murray State University, against 39% at Alice Lloyd College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Murray State University vs Alice Lloyd College: frequently asked questions

Is Murray State University or Alice Lloyd College a better value?
Murray State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Murray State University or Alice Lloyd College?
Murray State University: $9,096/yr net price after aid versus $18,600/yr at Alice Lloyd College — a difference of $9,504 a year, or about $38,016 over four years.
Do Murray State University or Alice Lloyd College graduates earn more?
Murray State University graduates earn a median $44,737 ten years after entry, versus $40,573 at Alice Lloyd College — a $4,164 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.