University of Portland vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than University of Portland based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 3,285 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Portland vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Portland 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 University of Portland ($29,408 vs. $30,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 24.1% lower than at University of Portland ($13,098 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 37.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $15,860 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.5% higher at University of Portland than at Messiah University (about $15,860 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Portland as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($42,538 vs. $26,576).

University of Portland vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Portland 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 University of Portland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Portland (1270) is 40 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming University of Portland students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Portland 1160/1370; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Portland 25/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Portland - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Portland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Portland (3.66).
• University of Portland has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at University of Portland vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

University of Portland vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Portland 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).

• University of Portland's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from University of Portland earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Portland graduates have a $1,676 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($24,313 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, University of Portland graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($251 vs. $268).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.