Taylor University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than Taylor University based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 2,548 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Taylor University is located in Upland, IN (Distant Town setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Taylor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Taylor University 14:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Taylor University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Taylor University 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 Taylor University than Messiah University ($26,178 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Taylor University are 8.2% lower than at Messiah University ($12,029 vs. $13,098).
• Messiah University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Taylor University (about $1,750 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $40,490.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Messiah University than at Taylor University (about $1,750 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $40,490.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Taylor University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Taylor University students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($27,198 vs. $26,576).

Taylor University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Taylor University 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 Taylor University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 30 points higher than at Taylor University (1200).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Taylor University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Taylor University 1070/1330; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Taylor University 24/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Taylor University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Taylor University 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 Taylor University (73.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.3% at Taylor University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Taylor University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Taylor University 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).

• Taylor University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Taylor University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $41,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Taylor University graduates have a $1,989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Taylor University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Taylor University 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.