Messiah University vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Messiah University vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Villanova? 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 Villanova ($29,408 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 26% lower than at Villanova University ($13,098 vs. $17,694).
• Villanova University is 60.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $25,536 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.5% higher at Villanova than at Messiah University (about $25,536 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Villanova University (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 79.1% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($47,609 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 220 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Messiah University vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Villanova? 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).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $36,500 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $508 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Villanova graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.