Worcester State University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Worcester State University in Worcester, MA with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Worcester State University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester State University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester State University 16:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Worcester State University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Worcester State 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 Worcester State University than Messiah University ($12,778 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 8.5% lower than at Worcester State University ($13,098 vs. $14,307).
• Messiah University is 258.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $30,454 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 136.4% higher at Messiah University than at Worcester State University (about $24,374 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Worcester State University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 180.8% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($26,576 vs. $9,464).

Worcester State University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Worcester State 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 Worcester State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 80 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Worcester State University 1026/1283; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMessiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Worcester State University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at Worcester State University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Worcester State University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Worcester State 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $5,989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($206 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 66%)

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.