About

About Messiah University

faith-based missionsmall class sizesnursing and health focusmasters level programsprivate christian college

Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA, known for its faith-based mission, small class sizes, and nursing and health focus. With an acceptance rate of 79%, Messiah University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 587 students each year. Messiah University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1150–1350, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Messiah University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $28,502 per year; the sticker price of $53,220 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Messiah University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

79%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1250
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1150 – 1350 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Messiah University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Messiah takes its Christian identity seriously, so if faith shapes how you think, serve, or make decisions, bring that into your essays naturally and specifically rather than keeping it generic.
Demonstrated Interest
Messiah tracks demonstrated interest, so schedule a campus visit or attend one of their open house events in Mechanicsburg and make sure your name is registered so it counts toward your file.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Messiah University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$53k/yr$19.4k
30k-48k~$53k/yr$20.3k
48k-75k~$53k/yr$20.9k
75k-110k~$53k/yr$23.6k
110k+~$53k/yr$31.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

79%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$50k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,384
Undergrad Enrollment
Messiah University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch