Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
Messiah University is a private institution in Mechanicsburg with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1214, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.3K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
79% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,064 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,686.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History The school was founded as "Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home" in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church.
- •Originally located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the home of Messiah's first president, Samuel Rogers (S.
- •By 1921, it had also become a junior college, making it the second junior college in Pennsylvania, and changed its name to "Messiah Bible School".
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1214
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
42.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$21,911
Programs (94)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
85%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
17
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + suburban adjustment