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Arcadia University vs Messiah University

Arcadia University is a private university in Glenside, PA, and Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Messiah University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 79% of applicants against 80% at Arcadia University. Messiah University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $26,502 a year against $29,466 at Arcadia University. About 77% of students graduate at Messiah University, compared with 65% at Arcadia University. Ten years after enrolling, Arcadia University alumni earn a median of about $58,336, against $54,064 for Messiah University.

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Arcadia University

Glenside, PA · Private

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Glenside, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,948
2,259
Acceptance rate
80%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1065–1265
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
26–30
26–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,466
$26,502
Full cost / yr
$64,645
$55,875
In-state tuition
$49,610
$42,240
Out-of-state tuition
$49,610
$42,240
Application fee
$30
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,127
$19,393
$30k - $48k
$25,388
$20,317
$48k - $75k
$25,978
$20,916
$75k - $110k
$28,654
$23,574
Over $110k
$34,339
$31,847
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
77%
Freshman retention
79%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,004
$50,192
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,336
$54,064
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$25,621
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
20%
First-generation students
31%
18%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Arcadia University or Messiah University harder to get into?
Messiah University is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 80% at Arcadia University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Arcadia University or Messiah University?
Messiah University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,466 at Arcadia University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Arcadia University and Messiah University?
Before aid, Messiah University costs about $55,875 a year and Arcadia University about $64,645. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Arcadia University or Messiah University?
Messiah University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,393 there, against about $23,127 at Arcadia University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Arcadia University or Messiah University?
Messiah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,259 undergraduates against 1,948 at Arcadia University.
Does Arcadia University or Messiah University have a better graduation rate?
Messiah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 65% at Arcadia University.
Do graduates of Arcadia University or Messiah University earn more?
Arcadia University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,336 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,064 for Messiah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Arcadia University and Messiah University require SAT or ACT scores?
Arcadia University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Messiah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Arcadia University and Messiah University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1065–1265 at Arcadia University and 1110–1350 at Messiah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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