Eastern University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (8,727 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern University is located in Saint Davids, PA (Large Suburban setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern University 21:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Eastern University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern University 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 Eastern University than Messiah University ($27,422 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 3% lower than at Eastern University ($13,098 vs. $13,498).
• Messiah University is 10% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern University (about $3,840 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $38,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at Messiah University than at Eastern University (about $3,840 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $38,400.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern University students is 1% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($26,838 vs. $26,576).

Eastern University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern University 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 Eastern University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 130 points higher than at Eastern University (1100).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Eastern University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern University 1010/1190; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern University 20/24; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Eastern University (3.58).
• Eastern University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Eastern University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Eastern University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern University 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 Eastern University's (67%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Eastern University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $511 lower median loan debt than Eastern University graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 58%)

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.