Messiah University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Messiah, the 79% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for many prepared students, but the academic bar is still solid: the average entering GPA is 3.84. Since 52% submit SAT scores, a score in the 1120-1330 range, especially near the top, can give the admissions team another strong signal.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Messiah University facts and stats
Messiah University enrolls about 2,618 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Messiah has an 89% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 75% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Mechanicsburg, PA
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Key Messiah University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to Messiah, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes and superscoring opportunities. Since Messiah does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, your last useful fall retake is the one whose scores are released before its Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Messiah’s tuition and fees are $41,300, and 72% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $18,514, giving many students a scholarship opportunity. Messiah’s FAFSA priority deadline is April 1.
As a private university, Messiah’s total cost of attendance includes $41,300 in tuition and fees plus room and board. Aid is common, with 72% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $37,684. Merit awards can further reduce the price, averaging $18,514. Students graduate with an average debt of $38,799.
Student life at Messiah University
85% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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