Chatham vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, 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 Chatham based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chatham University 10:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Chatham vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham 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 Chatham ($29,408 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 3.7% lower than at Chatham University ($13,098 vs. $13,600).
• Chatham University is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $2,386 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Chatham than at Messiah University (about $2,386 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 13.2% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($30,095 vs. $26,576).

Chatham vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham 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 Chatham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 50 points higher than at Chatham (1180).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Chatham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Chatham vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham 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 Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $5,489 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 62%)

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.