Messiah University vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Messiah University vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than Messiah University ($29,325 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 17.3% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($13,098 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $5,265 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Jefferson than at Messiah University (about $5,265 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 31.7% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($35,007 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 20 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Messiah University vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $74,300 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,489 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($12,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($129 vs. $268).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.