Wheaton College (Massachusetts) vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wheaton College (Massachusetts) in Norton, MA with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Messiah University is larger than Wheaton College (Massachusetts) based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,785 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is located in Norton, MA (Large Suburban setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 11:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Wheaton College (Massachusetts) vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts) ($29,408 vs. $30,701).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 19.1% lower than at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) ($13,098 vs. $16,200).
• Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is 51.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $21,720 more per year; $63,960.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.4% higher at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) than at Messiah University (about $21,720 more per year; $63,960.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheaton College (Massachusetts) students is 83.1% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($48,666 vs. $26,576).

Wheaton College (Massachusetts) vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts).

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (1310) is 80 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Wheaton College (Massachusetts) students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 1220/1390; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 29/33; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wheaton College (Massachusetts) - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (3.48).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Wheaton College (Massachusetts) vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 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).

• Wheaton College (Massachusetts)'s six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Wheaton College (Massachusetts) earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $11 lower median loan debt than Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Messiah University and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messiah University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.