Racer Academy
Earn Murray State college credit while you're still in high school.
Racer Academy is Murray State University's dual credit program for eligible Kentucky high school students. Earn college credit online, at your high school, or on Murray State's campus — all at a fraction of the cost of traditional college tuition.
What are the benefits of Racer Academy?
Racer Academy gives you a head start on college while you're still in high school. With dual credit courses, you can:
- Earn high school and college credit at the same time.
- Get ahead on your college degree with Murray State credit that may also transfer to other colleges and universities.
- Save on college tuition with courses at just $99 per credit hour for Fall 2026-Spring 2027 with scholarship opportunities available.
- Experience college-level learning and become familiar with Murray State resources before graduating from high school.
Am I eligible?
-
3.0 unweighted high school GPA
- Kentucky resident attending a Kentucky high school (homeschooled Kentucky students are welcome!)
-
Juniors and seniors may take all dual credit offerings; sophomores may take Agriculture (AGR) courses only
How do I apply?
New students: Complete the and Registration Request form, and ask your guidance counselor to send us your transcript.
Returning students: Simply submit a Registration Request form for the courses you would like to take.
Dates to remember
Registration Request form Deadline:
- Fall semester: May 1
- Spring semester: December 1
November 19
Last day to drop a course with a "W" (Withdrawal) that has no impact on a student's
GPA.
December 4
Classes end. Finals are December 5-11.
January 12
Spring 2027 classes begin.
Course options
View available courses, prerequisites, and optional Racer Academy Tracks. Students are allowed to take a maximum of two courses each semester.
Cost
Racer Academy courses cost $99 per credit hour for Fall 2026 - Spring 2027. Check with your guidance counselor to see if your course is eligible for a KHEAA scholarship or local grant. Some courses may require the purchase of additional materials such as a textbook. Parking passes are free after completing this form: .
If a parent is employed by Murray State, a tuition waiver may be used to pay the course tuition.
All questions regarding cost and payments can be directed to Matthew Jones at mjones1@murraystate.edu or 270.809.4211.
Forms & Student Resources
Send to Lisa Schmidt, lschmidt@murraystate.edu.
Ensure students have initialed and signed the document.
We can only schedule one semester at a time. Do not include more than one semester on the form.
If the student meets the requirements for the course and it is available, we will register them for the course.
Forms will be returned if they are missing signatures or have more than one semester listed.
Send the form to Nathan McPhail and Lisa Schmidt, nmcphail@murraystate.edu, lschmidt@murraystate.edu.
Dropping a course on a high school schedule will not automatically drop the course at Murray State.
Students may submit the Drop/Withdrawal form or drop a course on myGate by going to the Academics tab > Registration Tools > myRegistration. Tuition may be due depending on when the course is dropped.
Email us at the addresses above to confirm that the course has been dropped successfully.
Everything you need before classes begin:
Can't log? Call the Service Desk at 270.809.2346
These are the three websites you will need to access:
- View course schedules, bills, and password information
- Students: Check your email often. All communication from the university will be sent to your Murray State Gmail account.
- Courses may be delivered in Canvas.
Earn one of three Murray State Racer Academy Tracks and complete a focused set of courses.
Contact Racer Academy
Lisa Schmidt
Dual Credit Coordinator
Center for Adult and Regional Education
313 Lowry Center
Billing & Scholarships
Bursar's Office
David Black
Agriculture (AGR) Coursework
Amy Waggoner
Education (EDU) Coursework