Morehead State continues mission to make college more affordable

Morehead State University's continued emphasis on making high-quality higher education more affordable has earned it a spot among the best values in the country.

In the newly released 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, MSU ranks #11 among public regional universities in the South for Best Value Schools for In-State Students. The University also continues to offer one of the lowest in-state tuition rates among Kentucky's public regional universities.

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best values for in-state tuition is a tremendous reflection of Morehead State University’s commitment to making a high-quality college education accessible and attainable for Kentucky students,” said Dr. Heidi Reid (Class of 2005), assistant vice president for enrollment management. “This recognition reinforces what we strive to provide every day: an exceptional education at a price that allows more students to pursue their goals and build a successful future.”

In addition to being recognized as a 2026-27 College of Distinction - Best Colleges for Affordability, U.S. News & World Report also ranked Morehead State University as the top-ranked public institution for social mobility.

MSU graduates typically go on to have greater financial success and personal stability due to:

• Having one of the lowest tuition rates in Kentucky.
• Ranking #1 among public universities in Kentucky for having the lowest average unmet financial need for students. (Source: Council on Postsecondary Education)
• Having less average student debt than those from other state public institutions. (Source: CPE)
• Ranking #1 among Kentucky’s public universities for in-state graduate employment three years after graduation. (Source: KYStats)
• Over 97% of MSU students receive financial aid.
• $57 million awarded in scholarships & grants (2025-26 from federal, state, institutional and external sources).

“Affordability is about more than the cost of tuition—it’s about the financial support we provide, the scholarships and aid available to our students, and helping students graduate with as little debt as possible.” Reid said. “At Morehead State, we are committed to meeting students where they are and creating pathways to a college degree for students from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances.”

Izzy Petronella, a senior strategic communications major from Morehead, said that in addition to choosing to enroll at MSU to be close to home, she chose to become an Eagle because of the low cost and scholarship opportunities.

“When deciding where I attended college, I wanted to pick a university where I was not going into debt for my education. Fortunately, Morehead State offered scholarships that allowed my tuition to be covered, something that I did not find at other schools,” Petronella said. “MSU’s financial costs were thousands less than other universities, while still offering similar opportunities. I didn’t feel like I had to sacrifice any experience I wanted because of high tuition, and I appreciated the cost because it made me feel like MSU wanted me there; I was not just another student in the classroom.”

Morehead State has earned recognition as a Top 25 university by U.S. News & World Report for the past decade and has ranked among the top public regional universities in the South for more than 20 years. Morehead State provides services and resources to guide and support students through their college experience and is undergoing significant changes, including the construction of new facilities and residence halls, to meet students' needs.

“We take great pride in offering students access to high-quality, nationally recognized academic programs at a cost that remains lower than many of our competitors,” said MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan. “Morehead State's commitment to academic excellence, student success and affordability continues to create exceptional value for students and their families.”

To learn more about MSU financial aid and scholarships, contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at finaid@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2011.

To learn why Morehead State University is a worthwhile investment for your education, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/apply.