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Geneva College vs Messiah University

Geneva College is a private college in Beaver Falls, PA, and Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Both admit about 79% of applicants. Geneva College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,890 a year against $26,502 at Messiah University. About 77% of students graduate at Messiah University, compared with 61% at Geneva College. Ten years after enrolling, Messiah University alumni earn a median of about $54,064, against $50,004 for Geneva College.

Geneva College

Beaver Falls, PA · Private

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Beaver Falls, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,096
2,259
Acceptance rate
79%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1240
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
19–29
26–31
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,890
$26,502
Full cost / yr
$45,407
$55,875
In-state tuition
$33,450
$42,240
Out-of-state tuition
$33,450
$42,240
Application fee
$45
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,283
$19,393
$30k - $48k
$15,089
$20,317
$48k - $75k
$16,079
$20,916
$75k - $110k
$20,361
$23,574
Over $110k
$34,864
$31,847
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
77%
Freshman retention
78%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,107
$50,192
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,004
$54,064
Median debt at graduation
$25,198
$25,621
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
20%
First-generation students
25%
18%
International students
2%
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 Geneva College 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, Geneva College or Messiah University?
Geneva College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,890 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,502 at Messiah 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 Geneva College and Messiah University?
Before aid, Geneva College costs about $45,407 a year and Messiah University about $55,875. 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, Geneva College or Messiah University?
Messiah University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,393 there, against about $20,283 at Geneva College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Geneva College or Messiah University?
Messiah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,259 undergraduates against 1,096 at Geneva College.
Does Geneva College or Messiah University have a better graduation rate?
Messiah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 61% at Geneva College.
Do graduates of Geneva College or Messiah University earn more?
Messiah University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,064 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,004 for Geneva College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Geneva College and Messiah University require SAT or ACT scores?
Geneva College 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 Geneva College and Messiah University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1240 at Geneva College and 1110–1350 at Messiah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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