10 Reasons why Morehead State University is the place for you
Higher education is a must in today’s hypercompetitive job market, but choosing the right school can be a challenge. Some schools offer the major you want but none of your favorite sports, while others are affordable but their locations leave much to be desired.
So what do you do when you want it all: affordability, athletics, charm, diversity, excellent academics and extracurriculars galore?
Look no further. Morehead State University has got you covered. Nestled in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rowan County, Kentucky, MSU is a bastion of education surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, serene lakes and forest trails. As a public, co-ed university with state-of-the-art facilities, highly-trained professors and a wide variety of degree programs, from art and design to engineering technology, it’s bound to become anyone’s newest dream school.
Want to learn more? Read on for our top 10 reasons why MSU just might be the perfect place for you.
1. A wide-reaching scholarship program
MSU believes that education should be affordable, no matter what your background is. To ensure that all eligible students have the opportunity to learn, MSU offers an array of scholarship opportunities for in-state, out-of-state and transfer students. The University has opened up additional merit-based scholarship opportunities, as well as a reciprocity program that offers students from specific out-of-state counties in-state tuition.
2. 130 years of history
Established in 1887 with a single student studying in a cottage, MSU has come a long way from its humble beginnings. With its rich social, academic and cultural identity cultivated over 130 years, MSU has established itself as a constantly evolving campus with forward-thinking students and staff. Various campus monuments and markers serve as testaments to the university’s dedication to honoring its rich history.
3. MSU Eagles athletic program
Whether you’re an athlete, superfan or occasional spectator, the Eagle athletic program is undeniably one of the university’s points of pride—and with good reason! MSU is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and boasts 16 NCAA Division I teams. With a baseball field, football field, basketball arena and golf course on campus, students are always close to the sports action.
4. Diverse housing options
Between traditional residence halls, suite-style halls and apartment-style living, there are housing options for every type of student at MSU. Six newly-renovated residence halls and the new Andrews Hall offer suite-style rooms and all the modern conveniences and amenities a student could ask for. By living together on campus, students can feel safe and secure while also fostering the sense of community and closeness that encourages not only academic achievement but also personal growth.
5. Manageable class sizes
MSU keeps class sizes small. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1 and more than 80 percent of MSU classes have fewer than 30 students. So forget about giant lecture halls packed with hundreds of students and a professor who doesn’t know your name. Here, the average class size is 18 students, which means each Eagle has the opportunity to connect both with the material and with the instructor.
6. Widespread diversity
At MSU, diversity is not only valued—it’s essential. The university’s student population of about 9,000 comes from 109 Kentucky counties, 42 states and 32 foreign countries, and its professors and staff are equally varied. Here, diversity is celebrated with heritage months and a number of international celebrations. And this year, MSU’s chief diversity officer, Charles Holloway, is enacting a new and improved plan to increase diversity by developing programs, services and initiatives designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of students and faculty from diverse and under-represented populations.
7. Unique programs
With 141 undergraduate degree programs and 73 graduate degree programs, MSU offers a mix of traditional and specialized areas of study. Four colleges cover a range of academic interests, from arts and humanities to business and technology. Specialized programs like biomedical chemistry, computer information systems, sport management and theatre are offered alongside classic programs like psychology, political science, English, and sociology. MSU ensures that all students are able to pursue a degree that they’re passionate about—and one that will help them start a fulfilling and lucrative career upon graduation.
8. A stunning local college town
When it comes to college towns, it doesn’t get better than Morehead. The official Kentucky Trail Town is a nature-lover’s dream, centered around the beautiful Cave Run Lake and surrounded by the dense beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Students can spend their days hiking over 100 miles of forest trail or relaxing on a pontoon boat in the lake. Or rent a bike and check out downtown Morehead, which is filled with art galleries, museums, golf courses, and a variety of tasty dining options.
9. Award-winning extracurriculars
The MSU community extends far beyond its academic programs. With organized extracurriculars including international award-winning choir programs, a dedicated equestrian team and passionate Greek life, MSU helps ensure that each student receives a 360-degree experience. On top of the NCAA sports teams, students can participate in a wide variety of intramural sports and outdoor adventures, and can stay fit at the on-campus Recreation and Wellness Center, named one of Health Fitness Revolution’s “Top 10 College Recreation Centers.” Join the Outdoor Adventures program to try out the on-campus ropes course, take part in skills workshops like land navigation and backcountry cooking, and rent university-issued equipment such as kayaks and mountain bikes for your own adventures through the wilderness.
10. A focus on giving back
Through many of its programs and initiatives, MSU provides plenty of ways for students to give back to their community. For students who want first-hand service experience, the MSUCorps, which has been at the university since 1994 with more than 640 members serving, pairs Eagles with high-risk school-age youth via tutoring and other coordinated direct services.