Drexel University vs Messiah University
Drexel University is a private university in Philadelphia, PA, and Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Both admit about 79% of applicants. Messiah University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $26,502 a year against $38,509 at Drexel University. About 78% of students graduate at Drexel University, compared with 77% at Messiah University. Ten years after enrolling, Drexel University alumni earn a median of about $84,648, against $54,064 for Messiah University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
13,233
2,259
Acceptance rate
79%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1440
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,509
$26,502
Full cost / yr
$76,835
$55,875
In-state tuition
$62,412
$42,240
Out-of-state tuition
$62,412
$42,240
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,055
$19,393
$30k - $48k
$29,435
$20,317
$48k - $75k
$34,970
$20,916
$75k - $110k
$37,842
$23,574
Over $110k
$48,089
$31,847
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
77%
Freshman retention
90%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,063
$50,192
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,648
$54,064
Median debt at graduation
$25,325
$25,621
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
20%
First-generation students
29%
18%
International students
9%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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.
- Is Drexel University or Messiah University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 79% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Drexel University or Messiah University?
- Messiah University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,509 at Drexel 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 Drexel University and Messiah University?
- Before aid, Messiah University costs about $55,875 a year and Drexel University about $76,835. 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, Drexel University or Messiah University?
- Messiah University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,393 there, against about $28,055 at Drexel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Drexel University or Messiah University?
- Drexel University is the larger of the two, with about 13,233 undergraduates against 2,259 at Messiah University.
- Does Drexel University or Messiah University have a better graduation rate?
- Drexel University has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 77% at Messiah University.
- Do graduates of Drexel University or Messiah University earn more?
- Drexel University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,648 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,064 for Messiah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Drexel University and Messiah University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Drexel 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 Drexel University and Messiah University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1440 at Drexel University and 1110–1350 at Messiah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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