Drexel vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Drexel vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drexel 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 Drexel ($29,408 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 27.6% lower than at Drexel University ($13,098 vs. $18,096).
• Drexel University is 47.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $20,172 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.8% higher at Drexel than at Messiah University (about $20,172 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($35,051 vs. $26,576).

Drexel vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drexel 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 Drexel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 110 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Drexel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 1240/1440; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 27/32; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drexel - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Drexel vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Drexel vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drexel 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $28,800 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $254 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($268 vs. $271).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 77%)

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.