Bryn Mawr vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Messiah University is larger than Bryn Mawr based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,679 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bryn Mawr College is located in Bryn Mawr, PA (Large Suburban setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bryn Mawr College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bryn Mawr College 8:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Bryn Mawr vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bryn Mawr or Messiah University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Messiah University than Bryn Mawr ($29,408 vs. $33,221).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 32.5% lower than at Bryn Mawr College ($13,098 vs. $19,400).
• Bryn Mawr College is 56.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $23,680 more per year; $65,920.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.1% higher at Bryn Mawr than at Messiah University (about $23,680 more per year; $65,920.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Bryn Mawr College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bryn Mawr College students is 88.2% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($50,029 vs. $26,576).

Bryn Mawr vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bryn Mawr or Messiah University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Messiah University and Bryn Mawr.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bryn Mawr College (1400) is 170 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Bryn Mawr students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bryn Mawr College 1280/1510; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bryn Mawr College 29/33; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bryn Mawr - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bryn Mawr Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bryn Mawr students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.85) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Bryn Mawr (29.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.5% at Bryn Mawr vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Bryn Mawr vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bryn Mawr and Messiah University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bryn Mawr College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Bryn Mawr College earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,500 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $11 lower median loan debt than Bryn Mawr graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Messiah University and Bryn Mawr graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bryn Mawr students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.