Yale vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Yale University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Yale vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale 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 Yale University than Messiah University ($22,408 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 34.2% lower than at Yale University ($13,098 vs. $19,900).
• Yale University is 59.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $25,010 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.2% higher at Yale than at Messiah University (about $25,010 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Yale University (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 147.9% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($65,892 vs. $26,576).

Yale vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale 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 Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 290 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Yale students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Yale vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale 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).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $69,800 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $12,489 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($13,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($139 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Yale students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 84%)

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.