Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania · Private
Messiah University admitted 81% of 2,472 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1150–1350 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 78% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Messiah University
Enter a score to see whether Messiah University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (81%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Messiah University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Regular decision
- Rolling admission
The application fee is $50, and Messiah University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Messiah University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Messiah University doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
What admissions weighs
How Messiah University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Religion
Important
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Essay
- Volunteering
Considered
- Recommendations
- Legacy
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.79 GPA. 37% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $56,770 a year. After grants, students paid $29,882 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Messiah University’s acceptance rate?
Messiah University admitted 81% of applicants: 2,004 of 2,472 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Messiah University’s application deadline?
Messiah University uses rolling admission for 2026–27 and has no early round on the Common App, so applying early in the fall gives you the best shot at open spots and aid.
What SAT score do you need for Messiah University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1150 to 1350, with a median around 1240. A score at or above 1240 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Messiah University’s application fee?
The application fee is $50 for 2026–27, and Messiah University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Does Messiah University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Messiah University asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one short essay, up to 350 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Not sure which colleges fit?
A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.
Writing your essays? See Messiah University’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.