Messiah University vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Messiah University vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than Messiah University ($23,055 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 29.9% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,098 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 61.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $25,805 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.1% higher at Washington and Lee than at Messiah University (about $25,805 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 140.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($63,945 vs. $26,576).

Messiah University vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 260 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Washington and Lee 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; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Messiah University vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $40,400 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $4,489 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.