Messiah University vs. University of Scranton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Scranton is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (4,724 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); University of Scranton is in Scranton, PA (Small City setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Scranton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; University of Scranton 11:1.

Messiah University vs. University of Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or University of Scranton? 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 University of Scranton ($29,408 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 24.6% lower than at University of Scranton ($13,098 vs. $17,380).
• University of Scranton is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $11,743 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at University of Scranton than at Messiah University (about $11,743 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at University of Scranton (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Scranton students is 34% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($35,606 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. University of Scranton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Scranton (1240) is 10 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 University of Scranton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; University of Scranton 1160/1318.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; University of Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 11.3% at University of Scranton.

Messiah University vs. University of Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and University of Scranton? 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).

• University of Scranton's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from University of Scranton earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 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 University of Scranton graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Scranton graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Scranton students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 81%)

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.