About
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Kristin Thomas
Director of Admissions Hospitality
Director of Admissions Hospitality
Address
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
One University Avenue, Suite 3005
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
One University Avenue, Suite 3005
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone
8002334220
Email
kthomas@messiah.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Boyer Hall (Schools of Humanities, Ed. and Soc. Sci.
Eisenhower Campus Center/Sollenberger Sports Cent
Oakes Museum of Natural History
Stoner Covered Bridge
Starry Athletic Complex
The scenic Yellow Breeches Creek runs through the 471 acre campus. It is a nationally recognized trout fishing stream, complete with covered bridge and swinging foot bridge.
Eisenhower Campus Center/Sollenberger Sports Cent
Oakes Museum of Natural History
Stoner Covered Bridge
Starry Athletic Complex
The scenic Yellow Breeches Creek runs through the 471 acre campus. It is a nationally recognized trout fishing stream, complete with covered bridge and swinging foot bridge.
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Harrisburg Capitol Complex
Hershey Park and Chocolate World
Civil War Gettysburg
Lancaster County Amish Country
Inner-Harbor Baltimore
The university is located just 10-miles south of the state capitol, Harrisburg. Hershey, Gettysburg and Lancaster are all less than 1 hr. drive. The larger cities of Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia are within 2 hours of the campus. For more information about the local area check out http://www.messiah.edu/info/20240/area_information
Hershey Park and Chocolate World
Civil War Gettysburg
Lancaster County Amish Country
Inner-Harbor Baltimore
The university is located just 10-miles south of the state capitol, Harrisburg. Hershey, Gettysburg and Lancaster are all less than 1 hr. drive. The larger cities of Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia are within 2 hours of the campus. For more information about the local area check out http://www.messiah.edu/info/20240/area_information
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday - Friday, some Saturdays
M-F: 8 am-5 pm; S: 9:30 am-noon on specific days
8002334220
M-F: 8 am-5 pm; S: 9:30 am-noon on specific days
8002334220
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: 9 am - 5 pm
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: 9 am - 5 pm
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Available
Times
available for all campus tours
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
visitmessiah@messiah.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Limitations
prospective students can register online at https://www.messiah.edu/info/21374/overnight_visit
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Harrisburg International Airport is a 30 minute drive from the campus. There is also bus and train service in the city of Harrisburg. Guests are welcome to request pickup from the admissions office at any of these terminals with a two-week notice.
Driving Instructions to Campus
Messiah University is located 10 miles south of Harrisburg, PA on US 15. US 15 can be accessed by any of the following major routes: 81, 83/581, 76 (PA Turnpike)
Southbound on US 15: Travel approximately 3 miles beyond the PA Turnpike interchange to Lisburn Road, and turn left. After the first stop sign, turn right into the main campus entrance.
Northbound on US 15: Travel approximately 4 miles beyond the PA 74 North intersection near Dillsburg to Lisburn Road, and turn right. After the first stop sign, turn right into the main campus entrance.
Local Accommodations
Comfort Inn
1012 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; 717-766-3700
Best Western Plantation Inn
Rt. 15 and PA Turnpike 717-766-0238
Econolodge
Rt. 15 and PA Turnpike 717-766-4728
Hampton Inn
Rt. 15 north of PA Turnpike, 717-691-1300
1-800-hampton
Homewood Suites
Rt. 15 north of PA Turnpike 717-697-4900
1-800-callhome
Wingate Inn
Rt. 15 and PA Turnpike 717-766-2710
1-800-228-1000
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overview
Applicants: 2,438
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Average HS GPA: 3.77
GPA Breakdown
51%
4.0
19%
3.75 - 3.99
13%
3.50 - 3.74
7%
3.25 - 3.49
5%
3.00 - 3.24
5%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
550 - 670
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
540 - 670
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1100 - 1220
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
25 - 30
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Non-Academic
Extracurricular Activities
Talent / Ability
Character / Personal Qualities
Religious Affiliation / Commitment
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
13:1
Total Faculty
364
with Terminal Degree
208
207
Women
157
Men
47
Minority
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
73%
Graduate in 5 years
76%
Graduate in 6 years
76%
Majors
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Molecular Biology.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Actuarial Science.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Communications Technology/Technician.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance.
Computer Science.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Biology Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Computer Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Secondary Special Education Programs.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher Education.
Foreign Language Teacher Education.
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Physics Teacher Education.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
-
ENGINEERING.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Civil Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, General.
Mechanical Engineering.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Child Care and Support Services Management.
Family and Community Services.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Dietetics/Dietitian.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
Public/Applied History.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biopsychology.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
Sustainability Studies.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Social Work.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Development Economics and International Development.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
-
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS.
Bible/Biblical Studies.
Religious Education.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
Dance, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Graphic Design.
Music Performance, General.
Music, General.
Music, Other.
Musical Theatre.
Degrees
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
On Campus Interviews
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Dr. Edward Davis
Professor of History and Science, Health and Natural Sciences
David Vader
Professor of Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering and Business
Dr. Raeann Hamon
Chair, Dept. of Human Development and Family Science, Education and Social Sciences
Dr. William Stowman
Professor of Music, Arts
Dr. Douglas Jocobson
Professor of Christian History and Theology, Humanities
Prominent Alumni
Dr. LeRoy Walters
President of Kennedy Institute of Ethics
Dr. Ernest L. Boyer
Former US Secretary of Education and President of the Carnegie Foundation
Dr. Ray Crist
Director of the Columbia Group of the Manhattan Project
Dr. Phil Thuma
Director of Malaria Institute in Zambia
Dr. Amy Sherman
Direct of Center on Faith in Communities, Senior Fellow, Sagamore Institute
Mr. Peter Greer
President of Hope International
Andrew Samuel
President, CEO, and Director of Sunshine Bancorp, Inc.
Academic Rating
82/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
73%
Graduate in 5 years
76%
Graduate in 6 years
76%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
On Campus Interviews
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Apr 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$25,793
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$23,822
Average Need-Based Loan
$5,145
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
71%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$38,028
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$25,473
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
Required Fees
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Nursing Scholarships
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
Federal Nursing Loans
Federal Nursing Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
73/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
2,495
Foreign Countries Represented
24
Demographics
3.44%
Asian
3.52%
Black
7.82%
Hispanic
78.00%
Caucasian
2.75%
International
61% female
39% male
34% are out of state
91% are full time
9% are part time
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Messiah's outstanding academic facilities include: Murray Library, a research library with more than 300,000 volumes, the Jordan Science Center that includes the Oakes Museum of Natural History, a state-of-the-art science facility providing technically advanced science laboratories and equipment as well as housing the College's unique treasury of large mammal, insect, seashell, and bird egg collections, Frey Hall, primarily an engineering, mathematics, and business building holding engineering and physics labs but also housing a variety of art studios, Climenhaga Fine Arts Center, complete with a 400-seat performance auditorium, a recital hall, and an art gallery, and Boyer Hall, an academic facility which opened Fall 2003. Messiah's academic facilities are modern and up to date, all completed within the last 25 years.
Students have access to over 350 computers in 18 general computer labs (including 5 in residence halls) as well as computers in department labs. All student rooms on campus are set up for both wired and wireless access to the campus network. Additionally, wireless connections to the campus network are available in all major campus buildings and all academic halls.
Athletic and recreational facilities include: the 90,000 square foot Sollenberger Sports Center with an indoor track, wrestling and gymnastics areas, a natatorium including an 8-lane pool with separate diving well, racquetball and basketball courts, and exercise and fitness equipment; the Starry Athletic Complex with lighted an artificial turf field for field hockey and lacrosse, lighted soccer stadium, eight-lane all weather track, 10 tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and practice field space.
The College offers both traditional residence halls and apartment-style residences on campus. Staffed by trained, full-time professional Residence Directors, student Assistant Residence Directors, and Student Resident Assistants, these facilities provide an environment which fosters personal growth and responsibility, as students practice living in an intentional Christian community. All residence halls offer carpeting, air conditioning, cable television, Internet, and laundry facilities.
Students have access to over 350 computers in 18 general computer labs (including 5 in residence halls) as well as computers in department labs. All student rooms on campus are set up for both wired and wireless access to the campus network. Additionally, wireless connections to the campus network are available in all major campus buildings and all academic halls.
Athletic and recreational facilities include: the 90,000 square foot Sollenberger Sports Center with an indoor track, wrestling and gymnastics areas, a natatorium including an 8-lane pool with separate diving well, racquetball and basketball courts, and exercise and fitness equipment; the Starry Athletic Complex with lighted an artificial turf field for field hockey and lacrosse, lighted soccer stadium, eight-lane all weather track, 10 tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and practice field space.
The College offers both traditional residence halls and apartment-style residences on campus. Staffed by trained, full-time professional Residence Directors, student Assistant Residence Directors, and Student Resident Assistants, these facilities provide an environment which fosters personal growth and responsibility, as students practice living in an intentional Christian community. All residence halls offer carpeting, air conditioning, cable television, Internet, and laundry facilities.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
84%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
83/99
First-Year Students living on campus
90%
Campus Environment
Village
86/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
International Student
Theme Housing
Dorms Male
International Student
Theme Housing
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Amy Slody
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
evaluation from school psychologist or neuropsychologistDocumentation Required for ADHD
evaluation from school psychologist, neuropsychologist, medical professional or counselorSpecial Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
2
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
83
Number of Honor Societies
4
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
9
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
35% participate in intramural sports
23% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Falcons)
11 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Wrestling
Basketball
Cross Country
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Falcons)
11 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Minority Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Sustainability
89/99
AASHE STARS® rating
Bronze
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2024.
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
No
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
