Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Messiah University has a 78.5% acceptance rate. Messiah University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Mechanicsburg, PA, with a median SAT of 1230 and a median ACT of 27. The average net price is $26,502 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

78.5%

2,375 applicants

SAT Median

1230

Combined score

ACT Median

27

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$26,502

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Messiah University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Messiah University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)110012301350
ACT (composite, 1–36)222730

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.8%

Retention Rate

88.6%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

2,259

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Messiah University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$19,393
$30,001 – $48,000$20,317
$48,001 – $75,000$20,916
$75,001 – $110,000$23,574
$110,000+$31,847

Top Majors at Messiah University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Health Professions101
Education81
Business, Management & Marketing64
Engineering51
Visual & Performing Arts47
Psychology38
Biological & Biomedical Sciences27
Communication & Journalism26
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies22
Computer & Information Sciences20

Financial Aid at Messiah University

About Messiah University

Official website: https://www.messiah.edu/

Admissions: https://www.messiah.edu/info/20007/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Messiah University

What is the acceptance rate at Messiah University?

Messiah University has an acceptance rate of 78%. it received about 2,375 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1230; the average net price is $26,502 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Messiah University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Messiah University?

Getting into Messiah University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 78% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1230. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Messiah University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Messiah University?

Admitted students at Messiah University typically have a median SAT around 1230 and a median ACT around 27. With a 78% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Messiah University?

The average net price at Messiah University is $26,502 per year after grants and scholarships. about 100% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $24,223 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Messiah University?

Messiah University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 89%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Messiah University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Messiah University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Messiah University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1230. With a 78% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Messiah University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · 74% acceptance

Emmanuel College

Boston, MA · 81% acceptance

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · 68% acceptance

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · 90% acceptance

Southwestern Adventist University

Keene, TX · 56% acceptance

Bennett College

Greensboro, NC · 34% acceptance

More Colleges in PA

Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia, PA · 4% acceptance

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · 5% acceptance

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · 7% acceptance

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · 11% acceptance

Haverford College

Haverford, PA · 14% acceptance

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · 25% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at Messiah University — Free