Elon vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elon vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($29,408 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 12.6% lower than at Elon University ($13,098 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $4,718 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Elon than at Messiah University (about $4,718 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 48.7% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($26,576 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Elon vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $2,739 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.