(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray State University celebrated its fall and winter 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday at the CFSB Center, awarding degrees to 787 graduates representing 28 states and 14 countries.
The diverse graduating class reflects the university’s broad reach, with 11% of graduates coming from international backgrounds. First-generation college students made up nearly a quarter of the class, with 191 graduates being the first in their families to earn a degree.
Degree Breakdown
The ceremony recognized students across multiple degree levels and credentials. Bachelor’s degrees accounted for the majority of awards at 515, followed by 225 master’s degrees and 13 doctorates. The university also conferred eight associate degrees and 26 certificates.
In addition to traditional degree conferrals, 43 nursing students received their professional pins, including 33 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates and 10 RN-to-BSN program completers. One ROTC cadet was also commissioned during the ceremony.
Regional Impact
More than 40% of graduates hail from Murray State’s 18-county service region in western Kentucky, underscoring the university’s commitment to serving local communities. Nine students graduated from the university’s regional campuses in Fort Campbell, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville and Paducah.
The graduating class was 64% female and 36% male.
Looking Ahead
Murray State is now accepting applications for fall 2026 and the 2026-27 academic year. Prospective students can apply online at admissions.murraystate.edu or schedule a campus visit by contacting the Office of Recruitment at 270-809-2896.
A complete, sortable list of graduates by state and county is available at murraystate.edu/commencement/graduates.
Founded in 1922, Murray State University serves more than 10,000 students and has produced over 80,000 alumni. The institution’s main campus is located in Murray, with five additional regional campus locations throughout western Kentucky.
