Messiah University campus
Messiah University logo

Messiah University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Suburb: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 2,403
Religious affiliation Interdenominational
Student to faculty ratio 12 to 1
Acceptance rate 77%
Students retention rate 85%
On-time graduation rate 77%

Located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Messiah University is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 77% indicates that Messiah University is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, Messiah University emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Messiah University boasts an impressive student retention rate of 85% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 75% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

77.4%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$38,370

Cost of attendance at Messiah University in 2022 for students from Pennsylvania.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Pennsylvania's average $13,083
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$38,370

Cost of attendance at Messiah University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Pennsylvania's average $21,410
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 100 of freshman students at Messiah University received on average $26,620 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$26,620
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 127 21% $4,296 $545,616
Other Federal Grant 193 32% $5,043 $973,322
State Grant/Scholarships 173 28% $3,575 $618,399
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 611 100% $24,015 $14,673,120
Total Grant & Scholarships 611 100% $26,620 $16,264,841

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Messiah University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Messiah University students is 77.0%. Female students graduated at a rate of 76.5%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 77.7%.

77.0%

  • asian 81.2% 13 students
  • African American 68.2% 15 students
  • white 77.6% 434 students
  • unknown 90.0% 9 students
  • hispanic 54.6% 18 students
  • International Students 83.3% 25 students
  • Mixed Race 89.5% 17 students

Sport Conferences

  • Baseball Middle Atlantic States Athletic Corporation
  • Basketball Middle Atlantic States Athletic Corporation
  • Track and Cross Country Middle Atlantic States Athletic Corporation

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Messiah University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Messiah University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Occupational

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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