Messiah University vs. Ursinus College

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than Ursinus College based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,502 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Messiah University vs. Ursinus College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Ursinus 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 Ursinus College ($29,408 vs. $32,158).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 23.1% lower than at Ursinus College ($13,098 vs. $17,028).
• Ursinus College is 44.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $18,970 more per year; $61,210.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.9% higher at Ursinus College than at Messiah University (about $18,970 more per year; $61,210.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University as at Ursinus College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ursinus College students is 68.4% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($44,754 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Ursinus College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ursinus College (1290) is 60 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Ursinus College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Ursinus College 1200/1385.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Ursinus College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Ursinus College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ursinus College May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Ursinus College (3.53).
• Ursinus College has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 12.5% at Ursinus College.

Messiah University vs. Ursinus College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Ursinus 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).

• Ursinus College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Ursinus College earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 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 Ursinus College graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ursinus College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ursinus College students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 83%)

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.