F&M vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, 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 F&M based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,808 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

F&M vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, F&M 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 F&M ($29,408 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 19.1% lower than at Franklin and Marshall College ($13,098 vs. $16,188).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 67.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $28,554 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.6% higher at F&M than at Messiah University (about $28,554 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Franklin and Marshall College (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 57.7% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($41,901 vs. $26,576).

F&M vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, F&M 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 F&M.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin and Marshall College (1390) is 160 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming F&M 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: Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 30/33; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: F&M - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: F&M Jan 15, 2027.
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at F&M vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

F&M vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for F&M 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).

• Franklin and Marshall College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Franklin and Marshall College earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin and Marshall College graduates have a $3,989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, F&M graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.