Lehigh vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Lehigh University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lehigh vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lehigh 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 Lehigh ($29,408 vs. $34,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 23.9% lower than at Lehigh University ($13,098 vs. $17,220).
• Lehigh University is 53.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $22,740 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.8% higher at Lehigh than at Messiah University (about $22,740 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Lehigh University (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 75.8% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($46,731 vs. $26,576).

Lehigh vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lehigh 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 Lehigh.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 210 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Lehigh students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lehigh University 1370/1500; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lehigh University 31/34; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lehigh - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.4% at Lehigh vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Lehigh vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lehigh 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).

• Lehigh University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $40,600 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $1,733 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($24,256 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.