Messiah University
About Messiah University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Messiah University is a private Christian university in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. It offers programs in engineering, nursing, education, and social work, with a 78% graduation rate and a strong emphasis on service and faith.
Founded
1909
Location
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Students
3,014
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
79%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
75%
Near national average
Tuition
$42,240
Per year
Avg Net Price
$26,502
After financial aid
SAT Average
1236
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,064
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Messiah University accepts the majority of applicants at 79%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1236/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
75% complete their degree within six years
Retention
88.6%
4-Year Grad
73%
6-Year Grad
77%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
46.7%
$/Student
$10.3K
Class Size
Medium
73% graduate in 4 years, and 88.6% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$42,240
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,098
Books & Supplies
$1,290
Total Cost of Attendance
$55,875
After Financial Aid
$26,502
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$19,393
Receive Grants
19.6%
Take Loans
54.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $55,875/yr, including $13,098 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $26,502.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Messiah University fund their education.
While in School
19.6%
Get Grants
Free money
54.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$85,483
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,621
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$272/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,621 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $54K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Messiah University.
Gender
57.5%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,259
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
755
Graduates
18.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 18.2% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,259
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Messiah University fields 11 varsity teams with 625 student athletes, about 28% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
MAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
625
28% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
330
Men
295
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Messiah Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,064
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$43K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$28K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$51K
33 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$50K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $50K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Messiah University
What is the acceptance rate at Messiah University?▾
How much does Messiah University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Messiah University?▾
How much do Messiah University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.