Nelson University vs. Messenger College

Comparable Facts

Compare Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX with Messenger College in Bedford, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than Messenger College based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 24 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting); Messenger College is in Bedford, TX (Small City setting).
• Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messenger College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nelson University 15:1; Messenger College 8:1.

Nelson University vs. Messenger College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nelson University or Messenger 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 Nelson University than Messenger College ($22,359 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 27.9% lower than at Messenger College ($9,598 vs. $13,305).
• Nelson University is 115.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messenger College (about $13,444 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.7% higher at Nelson University than at Messenger College (about $13,444 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Messenger College (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 206.5% larger than aid received by Messenger College students ($12,075 vs. $3,940).

Nelson University vs. Messenger College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nelson University or Messenger 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 Messenger College and Nelson University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nelson University 890/1090.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nelson University - Required; Messenger College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Messenger College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Messenger College (2.9).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Messenger College (37.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 56.8% at Nelson University vs. 66.7% at Messenger College.

Nelson University vs. Messenger College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nelson University and Messenger 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Messenger College's (10%).
• Graduates from Nelson University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Messenger College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,900 vs. $24,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messenger College students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 40%)

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.