George Fox University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare George Fox University in Newberg, OR with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Fox University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (4,916 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Fox University is located in Newberg, OR (Town Fringe setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• George Fox University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Fox University 17:1; Messiah University 12:1.

George Fox University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Fox 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 Messiah University than George Fox University ($29,408 vs. $32,171).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 6.8% lower than at George Fox University ($13,098 vs. $14,060).
• George Fox University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $510 more per year; $42,750.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at George Fox University than at Messiah University (about $510 more per year; $42,750.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at George Fox University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by George Fox University students ($26,576 vs. $26,549).

George Fox University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Fox 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 George Fox University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 20 points higher than at George Fox University (1210).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at George Fox University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Fox University 1070/1340; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Fox University 20/29; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Fox University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at George Fox University (3.7).
• George Fox University has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at George Fox University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

George Fox University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Fox 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 George Fox University's (62%).
• Graduates from George Fox University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Fox University graduates have a $3,623 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($22,366 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, George Fox University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($231 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Fox University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 72%)

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.