Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$28,141
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$21,592
$30k - $48k
$20,748
$48k - $75k
$23,119
$75k - $110k
$27,521
$110k+
$30,502
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$39,490
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$39,490
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$11,560
Books and Supplies
$1,350
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
79%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
20%
Average Aid Per Year
$22,222
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
20%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,104
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$19,550
Students receiving state aid
26%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3,178
Students receiving federal aid
88%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,104
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$31,113
$30k - $48k
$30,194
$48k - $75k
$28,680
$75k - $110k
$23,879
$110k+
$18,021
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$39,040,012
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$12,895,506

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
73%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$10,409
Students receiving federal loans
72%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,497
Average Other Loans Per Year
$16,204
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$23,000
Loan Default Rate
2%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$248

What Students Are Saying

Messiah is less expensive and more liberal than many of the other private Christian Colleges, and is bigger and/or much more diverse than Malone, Cedarville, EMU or Grove City. It is fairly easy to get a scholarship there if you have decent grades, and it has more majors than many of the other Christian Colleges. Included in each students bill is a student government and student activities fee. So, you don't have to worry about paying for each sorority or fraternity or group you would like to join. The groups that need money are given a budget, so you hardly ever have to pay to join or get involved (unless you need equipment or something). This makes it easy for you to do all the activities you would like, while still being able to afford the meal plan. Maybe. Our meal plan is expensive, and each freshman and sophomore must purchase the without limits ultra meal plan--or one that costs exactly the same as it. The food is really good, and you have TONS of options (just look at the menu if you are curious-we have even more than it shows). And, the dining hall is open from 7 AM to 7:30 PM, so it is very convenient, and something is always there that is good to eat. It is just expensive. But do not fear! When you are a junior, senior, or living in off-campus housing, you will not have to pay so much because you are not required to buy a meal plan (but you won't have quite as good meals, unless you are a good chef).
Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major
While the price is kinda pricey it is definitely worth it! Financial Aid helps a lot and get all the scholarships and grants you can! Don't let the price however steer you away from going to the college. They'll create a payment plan for you to make sure that you can get to the college you want!
Messiah Student, Business Administrative major
Messiah is worth every last penny you spend because there are three key things that i think put Messiah on top of the other college choices. 1) there is a very strong sense of community and everyone looks out for each other. 2) the professors are some of the best at any college or university that you could attend because they make sure you understand what you are learning, along with pushing you to go that extra mile. 3) the campus is absolutely breathtaking in every aspect. The academic buildings are beautiful, the nature trail has unsurpassed beauty, and the campus in general is very well maintained.
Victor from Delta, PA
Messiah does cost a lot more money than an average public school does, however if i did not think it was worth it I would not be going there. The College provides many opportunities that larger schools do not provide like volunteer opportunities and low-cost trips to places outside the college like Philadelphia and Broadway. They have several low-cost concerts a year and small bands play every Wednesday night for free. All sporting events are free even soccer. Our soccer team has won national eight times in the last eleven years. All students are also provided with an opportunity to study abroad for only one thousand extra dollars. I feel I am reaping the benefits of the extra cost.
Cassy from Columbia, PA
Although Messiah's pretty expensive, I was able to earn a variety of scholarships, which made my tuition around the same amount as an average public state school. However, the original cost would be more worth it if Messiah was located closer to civilization. But, college is mainly for the education, right? Education-wise, I'm definitely getting my money's worth.
Music Major
Okay, let's be honest. It's mad expensive. Especially if you're like me and have to pay for your own schooling. But honestly, the amount of money you are paying really is a reflection of the amazing education you're receiving. I have to tell myself that every year that I sit down to figure out what I owe. But, the dorms are awesome. I've seen much much worse. Lottie's food is pretty good generally speaking. Over the summer I've actually caught myself craving some of the meals, especially Sunday Chicken Cordon Bleu. The opportunities to get involved are endless. At the end of the day, I'm glad I chose to spend a little bit more on a great school, rather than settling for less than what Messiah has to offer-which is a lot!
Caitlin from West Chester, PA
99% of Messiah students do not pay the full admission price. Many of my friends who are paying their way through college have said that Messiah's financial aid staff has been very helpful in providing the awards needed. They even have an option where you can do an interview instead of providing SAT scores and still earn a good scholarship. 70 Honors students receive a 60% tuition scholarship and other students receive $10,500. There are also scholarships available for minority students and different departmental scholarships.
Kelly from Derwood, MD
It's expensive, but the price you pay is worth it. Messiah is a private college, which means the price is the same whether you're from PA or out-of-state. The professors are intelligent and helpful and students strive to do their best, because they're paying so much for their education. I know I'm struggling to help my parents pay for my tuition and books, but if you have a strong Christian faith and character, you know that God will provide for you.
Messiah College student, Freshman, Journalism major
While this college is a bit pricey, there are numerous scholarship opportunities to make it more affordable. The relationships built here and the ways to grow in faith are what makes Messiah definitely worth the cost to attend.
Erin from Akron, PA