Campus Identity
Messiah University is a small private nonprofit university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Approximately 2,259 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 79% acceptance rate. Lake Aldred is about 26 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 5 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 48/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Messiah University is a small private nonprofit university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Approximately 2,259 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 79% acceptance rate. Lake Aldred is about 26 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 5 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 48/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Messiah University is a 1,000–4,999, suburban school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 5 miles from Roundtop Mountain Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D3
Middle Atlantic Commonwealth
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
49°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Messiah University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Roundtop Mountain Resort, 5 miles away with 9 lifts and 103 skiable acres. All are within 58 miles of campus.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Nearby Lake
Lake Aldred is 26 miles from campus, giving Messiah University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Aldred
Lake access within 25.7 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Mechanicsburg, PA
Mechanicsburg has a mild climate, with winters averaging 33°F in Jan and summers peaking around 78°F in Jul.
Station: HARRISBURG CAPITAL CITY Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Messiah University in PA earns a composite safety score of 48/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $42,240 |
| Fees | $940 |
| Room & Board | $12,390 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $55,570 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
98 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Messiah University located?
Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA. The main campus address is One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Messiah University?
Messiah University has an acceptance rate of 79%, making it accessible. Out of 2,458 applicants, 1,941 were admitted in the most recent year. 2,259 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Messiah University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Messiah University scored between 26 and 31 on the ACT, with a median of 27. About 6% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Messiah University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Messiah University charges $42,240/year in tuition. Including room and board ($12,390/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $38,370/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $26,502/year — what students actually pay. Use Messiah University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Messiah University?
The undergraduate application fee at Messiah University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Messiah University have college sports?
Yes — Messiah University competes at the NCAA D3 level in the Middle Atlantic Commonwealth. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Messiah University the right fit for me?
Whether Messiah University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (79% admit rate), avg net price ($26,502/year after aid), campus culture in Mechanicsburg, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Messiah University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Messiah University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Mechanicsburg, PA
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- Middle Atlantic Commonwealth
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 49°F avg
- App Fee
- $50
- On Campus Safety Score
- 48/100
- Nearest Airport
- Harrisburg, PA (MDT) · 12 mialso MUI (29 mi), LNS (37 mi)
Location
Mechanicsburg, PA