At $27,686/yr net price, Messiah University graduates earn $54,064/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,064/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,686 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,744 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,064/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,064/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,621 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,234/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,515/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,689/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,326/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,609/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,546 | $27,000 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $60,623 | $24,750 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Music. | Master | $55,693 | $21,472 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,608 | $23,125 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $51,273 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,214 | $23,073 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,621 | $27,000 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Master | $39,523 | $49,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $37,568 |
The Risk Factor
78.5% of students at Messiah University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Messiah University gives you a solid but unspectacular financial return. Ten-year median earnings land above the median debt load, and the 78.5% graduation rate paired with an 85% retention rate means you have a strong chance of actually finishing and starting to pay that debt down. This is a school where the outcome depends heavily on what you study.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays the most of any program on the list and comes with the highest debt, but the earnings gap over everything else makes that debt worth carrying. Engineering follows closely and does it with lower debt, so if you can get through the coursework, it is the most efficient payoff at Messiah. Accounting sits in the middle and remains a safe bet in the Harrisburg-area job market. Computer science and business administration land at the bottom of the top-earners list, both under $52,000 , respectable, but you should not expect a tech-industry salary from Messiah's CS program.
The main financial risk is choosing a major outside these five. Everything listed is career-directed. a degree in a field with no earnings data attached is a gamble you take at nearly $28,000 a year.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: families earning under $75,000 pay less than families earning $75,000 to $110,000, and well under those over $110,000. If your family income is below $48,000, this school is more affordable than the sticker suggests. If you are in the $75,000-plus range, you pay close to or above full net price and should weigh that against a state school.
Messiah fits you if you want nursing, engineering, or accounting and value a high graduation rate. Look elsewhere if you are undecided or drawn to a lower-earning major at this price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Messiah University worth the debt?
With median debt of $25,621 and 10-year earnings of $54,064, Messiah University graduates typically earn enough to manage their loans comfortably. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable compared to many private colleges.
What are the highest paying majors at Messiah University?
Nursing ($62,546), Engineering ($60,623), and Health Professions ($57,318) offer the strongest earning potential at Messiah University. Music and Accounting graduates earn in the mid-$50,000s, which is solid but not exceptional for their fields.
Does Messiah University have good ROI compared to other colleges?
Messiah University's ROI is average for a private Christian college. The $27,686 net price is reasonable for private education, though graduates' $54,064 median earnings lag behind many secular institutions with similar costs.
Should I choose Messiah University over a state school for financial reasons?
Probably not if cost is your main concern. State schools typically offer better financial returns, and Messiah University's earnings don't justify the higher private college costs unless you specifically value its Christian mission and campus culture.