HPU vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

High Point University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (6,331 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

HPU vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU 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 HPU ($29,408 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 30.8% lower than at High Point University ($13,098 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $3,072 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.3% higher at HPU than at Messiah University (about $3,072 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at High Point University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 17.3% larger than aid received by High Point University students ($26,576 vs. $22,664).

HPU vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU 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 HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 10 points higher than at HPU (1220).
• Incoming HPU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at HPU (3.4).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than HPU (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

HPU vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU 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).

• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $3,568 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($22,421 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, HPU 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 HPU students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 69%)

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.