Messiah University vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Messiah University vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College ($29,408 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 10% lower than at Muhlenberg College ($13,098 vs. $14,548).
• Muhlenberg College is 48.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $20,565 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.7% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Messiah University (about $20,565 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($42,545 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Messiah University or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College and Messiah University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 100 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Messiah University vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Muhlenberg College? 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $501 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 84%)

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.