Messiah University Overview

Messiah University is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Mechanicsburg, PA. It has an enrollment of 2,350 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 77.38%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $23,560. Tuition is $38,370.00 without financial aid.

Messiah University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Messiah University, 85.27% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Messiah University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Messiah University Website

Messiah University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 77.38%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1230.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 27.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Messiah University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $23,560.

The average tuition is:

• $13,658, when family income is less than $30,000

• $14,760, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $16,573, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $22,327, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $29,654, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 60.98% of students received a federal student loan and 19.82% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $38,370.00 without financial aid.

Messiah University Net Price Calculator

Messiah University Majors/Salaries

Messiah University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Messiah University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,273
• Education, General. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $23,579
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $37,568
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,621
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,594
• Engineering, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,623
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,181
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Religious Education. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,967
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,581
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,052
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $16,663
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,234
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $55,693
• Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,546
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $39,523
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $57,318
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,214
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,608
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,054

Messiah University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Messiah University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.09%
• Asian: 3.06%
• Black: 3.79%
• Hispanic: 6.98%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.00%
• Non-resident alien: 3.23%
• Two or more races: 4.00%
• Unknown: 0.38%
• White: 78.47%

At Messiah University, 1.92% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Messiah University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Messiah University?

Messiah University is known for its strong school spirit. Students showcase their school pride by wearing school colors, attending athletic events, and participating in clubs and organizations. The University offers a range of Division III sports teams, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse, among others. The athletes are highly skilled and often attract a large audience to their games. The University also has a strong music program, which includes a variety of ensembles. The marching band is particularly popular and is known for its lively performances at sporting events and other campus activities. Overall, Messiah University offers a vibrant and engaging campus culture that fosters a strong sense of community and school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Messiah University?

Messiah University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. Some of the most popular extracurriculars at Messiah include: 1. Campus Ministries: A variety of faith-based groups offer students opportunities for worship, community service, and missions outreach. 2. Athletics: Messiah has an expansive intercollegiate athletic program, which includes varsity teams for men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, track & field and many other sports. 3. Music: Messiah has a renowned music department that offers a variety of music ensembles, ranging from choir to jazz band to orchestra. 4. Theatre: The Theatre Department puts on several plays and musicals each year, offering students opportunities to perform on stage, learn about technical aspects of production, and develop directing and stage management skills. 5. Clubs and Organizations: With over 80 clubs and organizations on campus, there’s something for everyone. Some popular groups include Student Government Association, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and Environmental Stewardship Initiative.

How are the food choices at Messiah University?

Messiah University provides a variety of options for its students when it comes to food. The dining hall is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers vegetarian and vegan options along with gluten-free and halal choices. The university also has a market that provides snacks, drinks, and other food items that can be bought using the meal plan or cash. For those who have specific dietary needs or preferences, the university’s dining services team is available to work with individual students to create a personal meal plan. Overall, the food choices at Messiah University are diverse, taking into account the needs and preferences of its diverse student population.

Is there Greek life at Messiah University?

Yes, Messiah University does have Greek life, which includes fraternities and sororities. These organizations provide students with opportunities to form close bonds with their peers, participate in social events and activities, and engage in community service. However, it is important to note that Messiah University places a strong emphasis on values and principles that align with the school’s Christian mission, and as such, the Greek organizations are expected to uphold these values and promote positive behavior among their members.

What is Messiah University known for?

Messiah University is a private Christian university located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs, as well as its commitment to integrating faith and learning. Some of the most popular majors at Messiah University include business, nursing, education, psychology, and engineering. The university also has a strong music program, with a renowned School of Music that offers degrees in music education, performance, and composition. Messiah University is consistently ranked as one of the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and is one of the few universities in the U.S. to have a Geothermal Energy system in place.

What are the most popular school clubs at Messiah University?

At Messiah University, there are many popular school clubs for students to get involved in. Some of the most popular include: 1. Student Government Association (SGA): The SGA is responsible for representing the interests of the student body and planning campus-wide events. 2. Diversity Affairs Council (DAC): The DAC is focused on promoting diversity and inclusion on campus through events and initiatives. 3. Outdoors Club: This club organizes outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing for students. 4. Greek Life: Messiah University has several sororities and fraternities that students can join. 5. Social Work Club: This club provides opportunities for students studying social work to network and get involved in community service. 6. Environmental Club: The Environmental Club raises awareness about environmental issues and promotes sustainability on campus. 7. Theatre Club: This club provides opportunities for students interested in theatre to participate in productions and workshops. 8. Prayer and Worship Club: This club offers students the opportunity to come together for prayer, worship, and community-building events.

Is the campus at Messiah University safe?

Yes, Messiah University is a safe campus. The university has a strong commitment to creating a safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The campus is equipped with security cameras, emergency phones, and a police department that works round the clock to ensure the safety and security of the campus community. Additionally, the university has a robust safety program that includes training, prevention programs, and a detailed emergency response plan. Students are also encouraged to take an active role in campus safety by reporting any suspicious activities to the campus security department. Overall, students can feel confident in their safety at Messiah University.