# Messiah University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/messiah-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Mechanicsburg, PA
- **Type:** Private nonprofit
- **Setting:** Suburban
- **Region:** Mid-Atlantic
- **Enrollment:** 2,259
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 79% |
| SAT Average | 1236 |
| ACT Midpoint | 27 |

## Cost & Aid

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

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $19,393 |
| $30K-$48K | $20,317 |
| $48K-$75K | $20,916 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $31,847 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 77% |
| Retention Rate | 89% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $50,192 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $50,641 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $54,064 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.47x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 119.29% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 4798.7% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 248.6% |
| Parent Median Income | $97,100 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.77 |
| Friending Bias | -0.02 |
| Volunteering Rate | 6.9% |
| Support Ratio | 1.00 |

## Top Programs

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

## Rankings

This school appears in 13 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #10 in [Best Education Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-pennsylvania)
- #13 in [Best Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-pennsylvania)
- #18 in [Best Communications Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-pennsylvania)
- #24 in [Best MBA Programs in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-pennsylvania)
- #37 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-pennsylvania)
- #37 in [Best Master's Programs in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-pennsylvania)
- #38 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-pennsylvania)
- #38 in [Best Psychology Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-pennsylvania)
- #38 in [Best Data Science Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-pennsylvania)
- #41 in [Best Nursing Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-pennsylvania)
- #42 in [Best Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-pennsylvania)
- #45 in [Best Business Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-pennsylvania)
- #46 in [Best Biology Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-pennsylvania)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Messiah University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/messiah-university