Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / PA / Mechanicsburg
Messiah University logo

Messiah University

Private nonprofit Mechanicsburg, PA · Suburban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
77%
Graduation Rate
$54,064
Earnings (10yr)
$26,502
Net Price
79%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

Messiah University has a welcoming atmosphere that suits students who value a supportive community and a faith-based approach to education. With an acceptance rate of 79%, it’s accessible to a wide range of applicants. Students here dive into popular programs like Health Professions, Education, Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Visual & Performing Arts, making it a solid choice for those pursuing practical, career-oriented paths.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $54,064 within ten years. This figure indicates a strong return on investment for many graduates, which is especially important when considering affordability. While about 20% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting some need-based support, it suggests that many students come from a variety of financial backgrounds.

The financial picture is also important. After financial aid, the net price sits at $26,502, and the average debt carried by graduates is around $25,621. This means that while students are taking on debt, it's fairly manageable compared to their potential earnings. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated, community-oriented individuals who appreciate the blend of academics and personal growth.

Rankings

How Messiah Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation77%Earnings 10yr$54KNet Price$27KRetention89%Median Debt$26KPell Grant Rate20%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$19K$0-30K$20K$30-48K$21K$48-75K$32K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%248.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4798.7%MOBILITY119.29%

Cost & Financial Aid

$42,240
In-State Tuition
$42,240
Out-of-State
$26,502
Avg Net Price
$25,621
Median Debt
20%
Pell Grant Rate
54%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$19,393
Family Income $0–$30K
$20,317
Family Income $30K–$48K
$20,916
Family Income $48K–$75K
$31,847
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$50,192
6 Years After Entry
$50,641
8 Years
$54,064
10 Years
0.47x
Debt-to-Earnings
67%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$50,192 6yr $50,641 8yr $54,064 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

119.29%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4798.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
248.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$97,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.77
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 79%
Retention Rate 89%
SAT Average 1236
ACT Midpoint 27
SAT Range 1110–1350
ACT Range 26–31
Full-Time Faculty 47%
Faculty Salary (mo) $9,179
Diversity Index 0.42
First-Gen Students 18%

Top Programs

Health Professions 17%
Education 14%
Business & Marketing 14%
Engineering 8%
Visual & Performing Arts 8%
Psychology 6%
Biology & Biomedical 4%
Communications 4%