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Southwestern University vs Messenger College

Southwestern University is a private university in Georgetown, TX. Messenger College is a private college in Bedford, TX. Messenger College admits about 38% of applicants and Southwestern University about 43%, making Messenger College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $26,433 a year at Messenger College after aid, and about $29,224 at Southwestern University. About 71% of students graduate at Southwestern University, compared with 54% at Messenger College. Ten years after enrolling, Southwestern University alumni earn a median of about $56,878, against $29,463 for Messenger College.

Southwestern University

Georgetown, TX · Private

Messenger College

Bedford, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Georgetown, TX
Bedford, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,440
24
Acceptance rate
43%
38%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.3–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1300
860–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
26–30
15–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,224
$26,433
Full cost / yr
$67,493
$29,881
In-state tuition
$53,813
$11,620
Out-of-state tuition
$53,813
$11,620
Application fee
$0
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,478
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$19,096
$28,494
$48k - $75k
$28,175
$24,551
$75k - $110k
$30,387
$24,903
Over $110k
$36,332
$29,756
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
54%
Freshman retention
81%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,249
$29,135
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,878
$29,463
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
81%
First-generation students
20%
Not reported
International students
2%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 3
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 2
Jun 15

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 Southwestern University or Messenger College harder to get into?
Messenger College is harder to get into. It admits about 38% of applicants, compared with 43% at Southwestern 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, Southwestern University or Messenger College?
Messenger College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,433 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,224 at Southwestern 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 Southwestern University and Messenger College?
Before aid, Messenger College costs about $29,881 a year and Southwestern University about $67,493. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is bigger, Southwestern University or Messenger College?
Southwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 1,440 undergraduates against 24 at Messenger College.
Does Southwestern University or Messenger College have a better graduation rate?
Southwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 54% at Messenger College.
Do graduates of Southwestern University or Messenger College earn more?
Southwestern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $29,463 for Messenger College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Southwestern University and Messenger College require SAT or ACT scores?
Southwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Messenger College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Southwestern University and Messenger College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1300 at Southwestern University and 860–1180 at Messenger College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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