Messiah University: Student Population And You

how many students attend messiah university

Messiah University is a private institution located in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA. The university was founded in 1909 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 students as of Fall 2023. The campus size spans 471 acres, and the student body consists of 39.7% male students and 59.9% female students, with 84% living in college-owned housing. The university offers around 70 majors, including popular programs in health professions, education, and business. The average net price for students after taking grants and loans into account is $29,882, and 94% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants in 2023.

Characteristics Values
Type of institution Private
Location Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA
Year founded 1909
Campus size 471 acres
Undergraduate enrollment 2,586 (fall 2023)
Gender distribution 39.7% male, 59.9% female
Housing 84% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing
Tuition fees $39,700
Average net price $29,882
Financial aid 94% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants and loans in 2023
Popular Masters Degree concentrations Other Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences, General Music Performance, Occupational Therapy
Popular undergraduate programs Health professions, education, business, general business administration & management
Graduation rate 73% of students completed their program within the normal time (2023)
Student life Chapel services, discipleship groups, ministry outreach teams, community service, mission trips, intramural sports leagues, clubs, floor activities, concerts, films

shunstudent

Messiah University's undergraduate enrollment is 2,586 (fall 2023)

Messiah University is a private institution that was founded in 1909. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 for the fall semester of 2023. The university is located in Cumberland County, Mechanicsburg, PA, and has a suburban setting with a 471-acre campus. Messiah University's undergraduate enrollment comprises 39.7% male students and 59.9% female students, with 84% of all students living in college-owned or affiliated housing. The yearly cost of room and board at Messiah University was $11,560 in 2023, with additional costs for books and supplies averaging $1,350.

Undergraduates at Messiah University can choose from approximately 70 majors, including accelerated partner programs with the University of the Sciences and Carnegie Mellon University. Popular undergraduate programs include health professions, education, and business. The university also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as intramural sports leagues, clubs, and community service opportunities. Undergraduate students are required to attend 14 chapel services each semester and can participate in discipleship groups, ministry outreach teams, mission trips, and special programs like "Powerhouse," a weekly student-led contemporary worship service.

Messiah University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #24. The median undergraduate tuition for the 2023 school year is $39,700, with 94% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through grants, loans, or scholarships. The university has a semester-based academic calendar and provides a holistic educational experience for its students.

In 2023, Messiah University awarded 33 degrees in General Business Administration & Management, with 27 going to female recipients and 36 degrees in General Music Performance. The university also offers master's degree programs, with the most popular concentrations in 2023 being Other Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences (77 degrees), General Music Performance (36 degrees), and Occupational Therapy (32 degrees).

shunstudent

39.7% male students, 59.9% female

Messiah University, a private institution founded in 1909, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 students as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution of Messiah University's student population is 39.7% male and 59.9% female. This means that out of the 2,586 students enrolled, approximately 1,027 are male, and approximately 1,547 are female. The remaining 102 students fall into non-binary gender categories.

Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and offers around 70 undergraduate majors. The university's campus size is 471 acres, and 84% of its students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while the remaining 16% live off-campus. The yearly cost of room and board at Messiah University was $11,560 in 2023, with an additional $1,350 for books and supplies.

The university has a strong focus on Christian faith and requires undergraduate students to attend 14 chapel services each semester. Additionally, Messiah University offers discipleship groups, ministry outreach teams, community service initiatives, mission trips, and special programs such as "Powerhouse," a weekly student-led contemporary worship service. The Student Activities Board (SAB) brings concerts, films, and other entertainment to campus, contributing to a vibrant student life.

Messiah University's popular programs include health professions, education, and business. In 2023, the most popular Master's Degree concentrations were in Other Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences (77 degrees awarded), General Music Performance (36 degrees), and Occupational Therapy (32 degrees). The university also offers cross-cultural courses and international internship opportunities through the International Business Institute (IBI).

shunstudent

77% of students graduate within four years

Messiah University is a private institution located in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1909 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 students (as of Fall 2023). The campus size spans 471 acres, with 84% of students living in college-owned housing. The university has a semester-based academic calendar.

Messiah University's tuition fees are relatively high, with a median undergraduate tuition of $39,700 in 2023, which is significantly more than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges. After accounting for grants and loans, the average net price for students is $29,882. Notably, a large proportion of Messiah University students receive financial aid; in 2023, 94% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, and 58% received aid through loans.

The university has a strong focus on Christian faith and values. Undergraduate students are required to attend 14 chapel services each semester and sign a "Community Covenant" that outlines biblical principles and expectations for the community. The covenant has been a source of controversy due to its stance on "same-sex sexual expression."

In terms of academic performance, Messiah University has shown strong graduation rates. 73% of students who graduated from Messiah University in 2023 completed their program within the standard timeframe of four years for a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, 77% of students graduated within six years (150% of "normal time"), indicating that a significant majority of students are able to complete their degrees efficiently. This graduation rate is defined as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who receive a degree within the specified timeframe.

The university offers a range of academic programs, with approximately 70 majors available for undergraduates. Popular programs include health professions, education, and business. The university also provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning, including international internships and participation in the International Business Institute (IBI).

shunstudent

94% of students receive financial aid

Messiah University is a private institution founded in 1909 and located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 students (as of Fall 2023) and spans 471 acres. The tuition and fees for the university are $42,240, with the median undergraduate tuition being $39,700. The tuition cost at Messiah University is $10,420 more than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges. The average yearly cost of room and board is $11,560, and the average yearly cost of books and supplies is $1,350.

Messiah University is ranked 24th in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of Regional Universities North. The university offers various degree programs, with the most popular Master's Degree concentrations in 2023 being Other Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences (77 degrees awarded), General Music Performance (36 degrees), and Occupational Therapy (32 degrees). The highest-paying jobs for degree holders from Messiah University are in the fields of surgery, cardiovascular technology, dentistry, and financial services.

In 2023, 94% of undergraduate students at Messiah University received financial aid through grants or loans. This percentage represents a slight decline from 2022, when 95% of undergraduate students received financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Messiah University was $28,091, and 76% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in the fall of 2022. Additionally, 79% of Messiah University's students' financial aid needs were met by the university. The average net price, which is the price paid after accounting for grants and loans, is $29,882. This net price has increased by 23.9% between 2022 and 2023.

The availability of financial aid at Messiah University is a significant factor in making the university more accessible to students. The high percentage of students receiving financial aid demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting students in their educational pursuits. The average need-based scholarship or grant, along with the option of need-based self-help aid, such as federal loans and work-study programs, provide opportunities for students who may otherwise struggle to afford the cost of attendance. Additionally, the average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $18,750, showcasing the university's recognition of academic achievements and talents.

CWU Campus: Student Population

You may want to see also

shunstudent

Students must attend 14 chapel services each semester and sign a Community Covenant (which prohibits same-sex sexual expression)

Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university located in Upper Allen Township, Pennsylvania, near Mechanicsburg. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 students as of Fall 2023. The campus covers 375 acres, although another source states it is 471 acres.

Messiah University requires its students to attend 14 chapel services each semester and sign a Community Covenant. The Community Covenant outlines the benefits and responsibilities of living under the lordship of Christ and the importance of knowing God and His Word. It affirms belief in God and the Bible, and it requires commitment to academic integrity, responsible decision-making in light of Christian values, and balancing personal freedom with concern for others. The covenant bans the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, as well as gambling, profanity, "occult practices," sexual intercourse outside of marriage, and "same-sex sexual expression." It also prescribes the avoidance of drunkenness, stealing, and dishonesty, and prohibits certain attitudes such as greed, lust, and jealousy. The Community Covenant has been a source of contention and controversy among the student body, administration, and alumni due to its stance on homosexuality.

Chapel services at Messiah University are a time of corporate worship and reflection, with students gathering to worship God together. Students are free to choose the chapels they participate in to fulfill the requirement and can record their attendance electronically with their student ID cards. In addition to chapel services, Messiah University offers various opportunities for spiritual growth and faith development, including discipleship groups, ministry outreach teams, community service, and mission trips. The university's motto, "Christ Preeminent," shapes every student's experience, incorporating shared Christian faith in the classroom, residence life, sports teams, arts, clubs, and organizations.

Outside of the university, the region surrounding Messiah University offers a variety of churches and worship communities that welcome students to their congregations. These local churches and parishes provide transportation to and from the campus on Sunday mornings. Students can also get involved in student-led worship, leading or participating in groups such as student chaplains, small group Bible studies, music ministry groups, dance ministries, and other worship arts.

Frequently asked questions

Messiah University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,586 (as of Fall 2023).

39.7% of the student population is male, while 59.9% is female.

Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, PA.

Information on average class size is currently unavailable. However, Messiah University awarded 77 degrees in Other Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences in 2023, making it the most popular Master's Degree concentration that year.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment