About Messiah University
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $27,686 after aid, below the $54,010 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $54,064 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,621 reasonable. The monthly loan payment of $272 represents a solid return on investment. About 58% of students take federal loans, while nearly a quarter receive institutional grants averaging $27,519.
Women outnumber men by nearly 60% in the student body, and the campus draws primarily from Pennsylvania with 65% in-state enrollment. The Falcons compete in 18 Division III sports with 457 total athletes. An impressive 97.8% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. The 85% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit Christian community atmosphere.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 78.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 78.5%
- Retention Rate
- 85.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,064
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,546 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $60,623 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Certificate | $57,318 |
| Music. | Master | $55,693 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,608 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,214 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,621 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Master | $39,523 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $37,568 |
Campus Life
With 457 student athletes across 18 varsity sports, you'll see plenty of Falcons gear around campus. The Christian community emphasizes service and faith integration, creating a close-knit environment where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to know students personally. Weekend activities center around campus events, athletic games, and service projects that reflect the school's mission. Students often venture to Harrisburg for dining and entertainment or take advantage of nearby hiking trails. The 85% retention rate suggests most students find their niche in this faith-based community where academic rigor meets spiritual development.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,403 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
40 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–40°F
- July Avg
- 67°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.4%
- Women
- 59.6%
- White
- 76.1%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 8.8%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 64.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.0%
Location
- Address
- Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,064
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,275
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $272/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,621
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Messiah University?
Messiah University accepts 79.41% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. Students typically score around 1215 on the SAT, though the middle 50% range spans from 1090 to 1340. The school values both academic achievement and alignment with its Christian mission.
How much does Messiah University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Messiah University is $27,686 after aid, lower than the sticker price of $54,010. About 58% of students take federal loans with a median debt of $25,621. The school provides institutional grants averaging $27,519 to nearly a quarter of students.
What are the academics like at Messiah University?
Messiah University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its liberal arts programs. The school is particularly known for strong nursing and education programs within its Christian framework. With 2,318 students total, classes remain small and personally focused.
What career outcomes do Messiah University graduates achieve?
Messiah University graduates earn a median salary of $54,064 ten years after graduation. The school boasts a 97.8% employment rate and 78.5% six-year graduation rate. Most graduates successfully enter careers aligned with the university's emphasis on service-oriented professions.
Where is Messiah University located and what is campus life like?
Messiah University sits in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, a large suburban area near Harrisburg. The campus houses 2,403 students and fields 18 varsity sports teams competing as the Falcons in NCAA Division III. About 65% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.
Does Messiah University require students to be Christian?
Messiah University maintains an interdenominational Christian identity founded in 1909. The student body is 76% white with growing diversity, including 8.8% Hispanic and nearly 4% each Asian and Black students. While the school emphasizes Christian values, it welcomes students from various backgrounds who respect its mission.
