Messiah University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Lee University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; Lee University 13:1.

Messiah University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Lee 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 Lee University than Messiah University ($20,416 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 22.8% lower than at Messiah University ($10,110 vs. $13,098).
• Messiah University is 77.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $18,450 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.6% higher at Messiah University than at Lee University (about $18,450 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 71.8% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($26,576 vs. $15,467).

Messiah University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Messiah University or Lee 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 Lee University and Messiah University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 90 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Lee University (3.73).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Messiah University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Lee 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 Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 60%)

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.