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Haverford College vs Messiah University

Haverford College is a private college in Haverford, PA. Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Haverford College admits about 12% of applicants and Messiah University about 79%, making Haverford College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,314 a year at Haverford College after aid, and about $26,502 at Messiah University. About 90% of students graduate at Haverford College, compared with 77% at Messiah University. Ten years after enrolling, Haverford College alumni earn a median of about $79,966, against $54,064 for Messiah University.

Haverford College

Haverford, PA · Private

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Haverford, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,430
2,259
Acceptance rate
12%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1460–1550
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,314
$26,502
Full cost / yr
$90,382
$55,875
In-state tuition
$70,688
$42,240
Out-of-state tuition
$70,688
$42,240
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,531
$19,393
$30k - $48k
$9,388
$20,317
$48k - $75k
$12,007
$20,916
$75k - $110k
$18,171
$23,574
Over $110k
$45,991
$31,847
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
77%
Freshman retention
94%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,353
$50,192
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,966
$54,064
Median debt at graduation
$13,621
$25,621
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
20%
First-generation students
16%
18%
International students
11%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
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 Haverford College or Messiah University harder to get into?
Haverford College is harder to get into. It admits about 12% 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, Haverford College or Messiah University?
Haverford College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,314 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 Haverford College and Messiah University?
Before aid, Messiah University costs about $55,875 a year and Haverford College about $90,382. 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, Haverford College or Messiah University?
Haverford College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,531 there, against about $19,393 at Messiah University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Haverford College or Messiah University?
Messiah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,259 undergraduates against 1,430 at Haverford College.
Does Haverford College or Messiah University have a better graduation rate?
Haverford College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 77% at Messiah University.
Do graduates of Haverford College or Messiah University earn more?
Haverford College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,966 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,064 for Messiah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Haverford College and Messiah University require SAT or ACT scores?
Haverford College 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 Haverford College and Messiah University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1460–1550 at Haverford College and 1110–1350 at Messiah University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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