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Messiah University vs Temple University

Messiah University is a private university in Mechanicsburg, PA. Temple University is a public university in Philadelphia, PA. Messiah University admits about 79% of applicants and Temple University about 80%, making Messiah 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 $28,198 at Temple University. About 77% of students graduate at Messiah University, compared with 75% at Temple University. Ten years after enrolling, Temple University alumni earn a median of about $63,727, against $54,064 for Messiah University.

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Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Mechanicsburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,259
20,970
Acceptance rate
79%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1350
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,502
$28,198
Full cost / yr
$55,875
$40,903
In-state tuition
$42,240
$23,011
Out-of-state tuition
$42,240
$38,958
Application fee
$50
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,393
$22,694
$30k - $48k
$20,317
$23,431
$48k - $75k
$20,916
$26,534
$75k - $110k
$23,574
$29,397
Over $110k
$31,847
$34,947
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
75%
Freshman retention
89%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,192
$50,860
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,064
$63,727
Median debt at graduation
$25,621
$24,395
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
32%
First-generation students
18%
30%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 Temple University harder to get into?
Messiah University is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 80% at Temple 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 Temple University?
Messiah University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,198 at Temple 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 Temple University?
Before aid, Temple University costs about $40,903 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, Messiah University or Temple University?
Messiah University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,393 there, against about $22,694 at Temple University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Messiah University or Temple University?
Temple University is the larger of the two, with about 20,970 undergraduates against 2,259 at Messiah University.
Does Messiah University or Temple University have a better graduation rate?
Messiah University has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 75% at Temple University.
Do graduates of Messiah University or Temple University earn more?
Temple University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,727 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,064 for Messiah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Messiah University and Temple University require SAT or ACT scores?
Messiah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Temple University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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