Gettysburg College vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, 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 Gettysburg College based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 2,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gettysburg College is located in Gettysburg, PA (Distant Town setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Gettysburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gettysburg College 10:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Gettysburg College vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College ($29,408 vs. $32,769).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 18.7% lower than at Gettysburg College ($13,098 vs. $16,110).
• Gettysburg College is 57.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $24,400 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.8% higher at Gettysburg College than at Messiah University (about $24,400 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Gettysburg College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gettysburg College students is 85.1% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($49,191 vs. $26,576).

Gettysburg College vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gettysburg College (1370) is 140 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Gettysburg College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 1270/1460; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 29/32; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gettysburg College - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gettysburg College Jan 15, 2027.
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Gettysburg College (38.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Gettysburg College vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Gettysburg College vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gettysburg College 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).

• Gettysburg College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Gettysburg College earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gettysburg College graduates have a $3,989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Gettysburg College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More Gettysburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.