Oberlin vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than Oberlin based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 2,909 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, OH (Midsize Suburban setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Oberlin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oberlin College 9:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Oberlin vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oberlin or Messiah University? 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 Oberlin ($29,408 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 32.9% lower than at Oberlin College ($13,098 vs. $19,510).
• Oberlin College is 59.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $25,126 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.5% higher at Oberlin than at Messiah University (about $25,126 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Oberlin College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oberlin College students is 34.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($35,780 vs. $26,576).

Oberlin vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oberlin College (1440) is 210 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Oberlin students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 1360/1520; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 31/34; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oberlin - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Oberlin (3.67).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Oberlin (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Oberlin vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Oberlin vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Oberlin College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Oberlin graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $590 lower median loan debt than Oberlin graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,579).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oberlin graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oberlin students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 82%)

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.