Colleges by Location
Colleges by Fields of Study
Colleges by Tuition Range
Colleges by GPA Range
College by SAT Range
Colleges by ACT Score
Graduate Schools by Location
Graduate Schools by Fields of Study
Graduate School by Degree Type
Paying for Graduate School
Online Graduate Programs
Test Preparation
Career Planning
College Planning
Graduate School Planning
Applying to Graduate School
Engineering Careers
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
Messiah University, located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is a comprehensive Christian institution known for its academic excellence and commitment to faith integration. Founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church, the university offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields such as business, engineering, education, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Messiah University provides a personalized learning experience, fostering meaningful connections between students and professors.
At Messiah University, faith is at the heart of everything they do. The university's Christian identity permeates its educational philosophy, encouraging students to explore the integration of faith and learning. Students have the opportunity to attend chapel services, participate in faith-based clubs and organizations, and engage in service projects that embody the university's commitment to service and peacemaking. The campus community is vibrant and inclusive, embracing diversity and welcoming students from various backgrounds.
Beyond academics and faith integration, Messiah University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and athletic programs. Students can join over 80 clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, recreational, and spiritual groups. The university's athletic teams, known as the Falcons, compete in NCAA Division III. Sports facilities on campus are of high quality, catering to recreational and competitive athletes alike.
Overall, Messiah University offers a holistic and transformational educational experience that combines rigorous academic programs with a strong Christian foundation. With a supportive community, hands-on learning opportunities, and a commitment to spiritual growth, Messiah University prepares students to make a positive impact in their professions, communities, and the world.
Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah University is a private university. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 78%. The freshman retention rate at Messiah University is 85% and the six-year graduation rate is 79%.
Here are some important information on important things to consider about Messiah University.
Quick Facts
2,586
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
78%
Acceptance Rate
$41,300
Tuition
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
79%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Discovering as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission improves your chances of getting admitted. Learn some relevant facts about admission at Messiah University.
According to the most recent data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 1,864 in 2024. Messiah University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
56% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 6% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 15% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 43% between 1,200 and 1,399, 35% between 1,000 and 1,199, 6% between 800 and 999, and 1% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 26, 37 between 24-29, 34 in the range between 18-23, and 3 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2024 was 27 while the average GPA was 3.8. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Messiah University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 605 for the newly enrolled students, while the average SAT Math score was 602.
Retention Rate
What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, don't forget to consider the freshmen retention rate.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Messiah University was 85%, which is considered an above-average retention rate and is indicative of the quality of educational experience at this school.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 79%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Making the decision of which school is the right match for you is not simple. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at Messiah University in 2024 was 3,320.
That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 34. There was a total of 2,586 undergrad students, including 61 international students. The school reported to have a total of 69 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,043 male and 1,748 female full-time students in 2024, which speaks volumes for gender equality at this institution. 150 full-time graduate men and 394 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Messiah University.
This school had 92 Asian students and 91 Afro-American students in 2024. 204 undergraduates at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 84 identified with more than one race. The school also had 3 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 1 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 18 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some details you should know about the expenses at Messiah University that the majority of students face.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Messiah University? Here is what you need to know.
In 2024, tuition amounted to $41,300 for all full-time domestic students. Messiah University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Full-time students in 2024 were mandated to pay additional fees in the amount of $940.
Books and Supplies
The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another important expense. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,290.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What do schools typically charge for room and board?
In 2024, the price of room and board at Messiah University was $12,390 per academic year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school amounted to $6,590, according to the data from 2024. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $6,750.
| Tuition | $ 41,300 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,390 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,290 |
| Total Expense | $ 54,980 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial help: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid students could get at Messiah University.
According to the most recent data, 454 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $31,966.86 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 1,612 students who obtained need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Messiah University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 1,628. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution came to $3,164,550, and state $2,657,738. The students of Messiah University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $33,902,625, and external in the amount of $1,189,590.
$17,256
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 260 students overall (including freshmen) at Messiah University in 2024. 73 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $3,164,550 while the state aid is $483,036. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $12,016,347. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $649,759 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Messiah University was 12:1: that means 12 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. This school has recently reported to have 369 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 170 male and 199 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Messiah University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at Messiah University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Find out some information about students' life at Messiah University.
Its campus spans 485 acres.
Student Organizations
Joining multiple student organizations can provide you a more interesting and dynamic experience.
This school has 83 open-membership student organizations you can participate in. The student organization with the highest level of popularity is Outdoors Club, followed by Small Group Program and choral groups and ensembles. Other popular organizations among the students at Messiah University are student government and Outreach teams.
There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a talent for media and communication? Messiah University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Messiah University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a security patrol available 24/7. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. All in all, campus life at Messiah University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Messiah University.
Career Counselling
At Messiah University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
-
Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA.
-
Messiah University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
-
The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Messiah University is 41,300 USD, based on the most recent data.
-
This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
-
According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Messiah University is 78%.
-
According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Messiah University is 85%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Find the best schools for you.
Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.