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Messiah University vs Saint Francis University

Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Saint Francis University is a private university in Loretto, PA. Saint Francis University admits about 77% of applicants and Messiah University about 79%, making Saint Francis University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,526 a year at Saint Francis University after aid, and about $26,502 at Messiah University. About 77% of students graduate at Messiah University, compared with 74% at Saint Francis University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Francis University alumni earn a median of about $62,101, against $54,064 for Messiah University.

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private

Saint Francis University

Loretto, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mechanicsburg, PA
Loretto, PA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,259
1,557
Acceptance rate
79%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1350
1050–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,502
$23,526
Full cost / yr
$55,875
$59,815
In-state tuition
$42,240
$44,000
Out-of-state tuition
$42,240
$44,000
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,393
$21,906
$30k - $48k
$20,317
$19,995
$48k - $75k
$20,916
$22,677
$75k - $110k
$23,574
$28,717
Over $110k
$31,847
$22,945
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
74%
Freshman retention
89%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,192
$56,920
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,064
$62,101
Median debt at graduation
$25,621
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
18%
First-generation students
18%
26%
International students
2%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
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 Messiah University or Saint Francis University harder to get into?
Saint Francis 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, Messiah University or Saint Francis University?
Saint Francis University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,526 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 Messiah University and Saint Francis University?
Before aid, Messiah University costs about $55,875 a year and Saint Francis University about $59,815. 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, Messiah University or Saint Francis University?
Messiah University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,393 there, against about $21,906 at Saint Francis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Messiah University or Saint Francis University?
Messiah University is the larger of the two, with about 2,259 undergraduates against 1,557 at Saint Francis University.
Does Messiah University or Saint Francis University have a better graduation rate?
Messiah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 74% at Saint Francis University.
Do graduates of Messiah University or Saint Francis University earn more?
Saint Francis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,101 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,064 for Messiah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Messiah University and Saint Francis University require SAT or ACT scores?
Messiah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Francis University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Messiah University and Saint Francis University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1350 at Messiah University and 1050–1230 at Saint Francis University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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