Messiah University
Messiah University is a private nonprofit university in Mechanicsburg, PA ranked #529 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 2,318 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 78.5%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 85.4% first-year retention, and 78.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $27,686, about $10,688 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -54.7%, roughly 140.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,192. That's about $6,504 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Messiah University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Messiah University graduates 78.5% of students within six years and keeps 85.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Messiah University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $40,640 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,460 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,910 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,760 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,939 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.0% of Messiah University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $23,234 to $31,609 depending on family income. Use Messiah University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,326/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,609/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,192
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,192
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,911
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 82.8%
- Employment Rate 82.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Messiah University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Messiah University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Messiah University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Messiah University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Messiah University graduates earn $50,192 median, the -54.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-670
- SAT Math 540-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,318
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 85.4%
- Graduation Rate 78.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Messiah University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Messiah University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.5%, Messiah University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.5% acceptance rate, Messiah University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1100 and 1340 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Messiah University undergraduates. Engineering, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Engineering, General 9.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 7.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.9%
- Psychology, General 4.5%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.3%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.0%
- Social Work 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $80,555
- 2. Engineering, General $74,795
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,328
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $68,760
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,508
- 6. Marketing $65,142
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,981
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $49,379
- 9. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language $49,362
- 10. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $49,309
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $73,524
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $73,150
- 3. Music (Master's Degree) $66,109
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degree) $57,732
- 5. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $57,127
- 6. Education, General (Master's Degree) $54,508
- 7. Education, General (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $46,413
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $42,754
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $80,555—63% more than Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($49,309). Graduate: Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs lead with $73,524 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Messiah University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degree, 63 graduates)
- Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degree, 61 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Music (Master's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Engineering, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Social Work
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Music
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Marketing
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Religious Education
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- International Business
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Economics
- Sustainability Studies
- Sociology
- Biopsychology
- History
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Journalism
- Dance
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Communications Technology/Technician
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Music
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,318
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 40.4%
- Female Students 59.6%
- Caucasian 76.1%
- Asian 4.0%
- Hispanic 8.8%
- Black 3.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Messiah University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Messiah University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Messiah University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Messiah University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 76.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 20.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Messiah University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Messiah University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Messiah University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -54.7% ROI. Ranked #529 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,686 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $50,192 median earnings. With 78.5% graduating within six years and 85.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Messiah University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #529 ranking, Messiah University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,686 annually, Messiah University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,380 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -54.7% ROI and $50,192 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,686+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Messiah University ranks #529 of 6272 institutions, with 1249 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 78.5% six-year graduation rate sits 16.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.4% first-year retention is 8.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -54.7% return on investment is 140.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,192 run about 15% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $27,686 is roughly $10,568 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.4% employment rate within three years sits 14.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,686 is about $10,568 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.0% trails the national share by 18.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Messiah University, a private nonprofit university in Mechanicsburg, PA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #529 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 85.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 78.5% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -54.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $27,686 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,939.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,253 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,911 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $50,192 at the median. This is roughly 15% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 82.4% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -54.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Messiah University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
- Website www.messiah.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$127.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.0%