Butler vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Butler University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Butler vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler 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 Butler ($29,408 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 20.3% lower than at Butler University ($13,098 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $5,320 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at Butler than at Messiah University (about $5,320 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($27,790 vs. $26,576).

Butler vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler 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 Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Butler students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Butler vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Butler University's (72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 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 Butler graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Butler students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 84%)

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.