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DeSales University vs Messiah University

DeSales University is a private university in Center Valley, PA. Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. DeSales University admits about 77% of applicants and Messiah University about 79%, making DeSales University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $26,502 a year at Messiah University after aid, and about $31,643 at DeSales University. About 77% of students graduate at Messiah University, compared with 72% at DeSales University. Ten years after enrolling, DeSales University alumni earn a median of about $61,295, against $54,064 for Messiah University.

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA · Private

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Center Valley, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,128
2,259
Acceptance rate
77%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1260
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
27–28
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,643
$26,502
Full cost / yr
$62,745
$55,875
In-state tuition
$46,800
$42,240
Out-of-state tuition
$46,800
$42,240
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,007
$19,393
$30k - $48k
$25,400
$20,317
$48k - $75k
$26,096
$20,916
$75k - $110k
$29,982
$23,574
Over $110k
$34,878
$31,847
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
77%
Freshman retention
83%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,721
$50,192
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,295
$54,064
Median debt at graduation
$25,788
$25,621
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
20%
First-generation students
30%
18%
International students
0%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 DeSales University or Messiah University harder to get into?
DeSales University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 79% at Messiah 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, DeSales University or Messiah University?
Messiah University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,643 at DeSales 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 DeSales University and Messiah University?
Before aid, Messiah University costs about $55,875 a year and DeSales University about $62,745. 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, DeSales University or Messiah University?
Messiah University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,393 there, against about $24,007 at DeSales University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, DeSales University or Messiah University?
Messiah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,259 undergraduates against 2,128 at DeSales University.
Does DeSales University or Messiah University have a better graduation rate?
Messiah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 72% at DeSales University.
Do graduates of DeSales University or Messiah University earn more?
DeSales University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,295 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,064 for Messiah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do DeSales University and Messiah University require SAT or ACT scores?
DeSales University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Messiah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do DeSales University and Messiah University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1260 at DeSales University and 1110–1350 at Messiah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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