Overview
Founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church, Messiah University began as a Bible institute and evolved into a comprehensive Christian liberal arts institution, officially adopting university status in 2020. It has built a strong reputation for engineering, nursing, and education programs, alongside a robust core curriculum grounded in Anabaptist and evangelical Christian traditions. The university emphasizes academic rigor paired with a values-based mission of reconciliation, stewardship, and service to church and society.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Total students | 3,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 77% |
| Graduation rate | 80% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $38,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,000 |
| Room & board | $11,500 |
| Average financial aid | $27,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 99% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1290 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
- Biology/Pre-Med
- Business
- Music
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.