Bucknell vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Bucknell University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (3,969 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bucknell University 9:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Bucknell vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bucknell 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 Bucknell ($29,408 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 22.6% lower than at Bucknell University ($13,098 vs. $16,924).
• Bucknell University is 60.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $25,572 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.5% higher at Bucknell than at Messiah University (about $25,572 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Bucknell University (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 68.3% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($44,734 vs. $26,576).

Bucknell vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bucknell 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 Bucknell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 160 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Bucknell 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: Bucknell University 1310/1470; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bucknell University 30/33; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bucknell - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Bucknell (3.62).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Bucknell (28.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Bucknell vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Bucknell vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bucknell 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).

• Bucknell University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Bucknell University earn a median of about $27,700 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Bucknell graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bucknell graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 85%)

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.