Dickinson College vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson College in Carlisle, 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 Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson College 11:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Dickinson College vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College 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 Dickinson College ($29,408 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 23.4% lower than at Dickinson College ($13,098 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 55.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $23,410 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.4% higher at Dickinson College than at Messiah University (about $23,410 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 67.4% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($44,479 vs. $26,576).

Dickinson College vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dickinson College 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 Dickinson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 160 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Dickinson College 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: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Dickinson College vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College 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).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $4,989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($21,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($217 vs. $268).
• More Dickinson College 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.