Lycoming College vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lycoming College in Williamsport, 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 Lycoming College based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,012 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lycoming College vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lycoming 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 Lycoming College than Messiah University ($20,492 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 10.4% lower than at Lycoming College ($13,098 vs. $14,612).
• Lycoming College is 18.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $7,789 more per year; $50,029.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at Lycoming College than at Messiah University (about $7,789 more per year; $50,029.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lycoming College as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lycoming College students is 63.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($43,470 vs. $26,576).

Lycoming College vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 40 points higher than at Lycoming College (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lycoming College 1080/1300; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMessiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lycoming College - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Lycoming College (3.57).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Lycoming College (74.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Lycoming College vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Lycoming College vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lycoming 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Lycoming College's (70%).
• Graduates from Lycoming College earn a median of about $200 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,800 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Lycoming College graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lycoming College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lycoming College students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 74%)

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.