Messiah University

With over 80 majors across four schools, Messiah (which transitioned from 'college' to 'university' status in 2020) blends liberal arts rigor with Christian worldview integration. Standout programs include:

• Physical Therapy: 95% 2-year average graduation rate for DPT students
• Engineering: Mechanical engineering ranks among top enrolled majors
• Education: Early childhood education claims 3% of majors

The curriculum emphasizes 'servant leadership,' with faculty praised for teaching over research. Messiah's 14:1 student-faculty ratio supports this hands-on approach.

Life revolves around the 373-acre campus where 85% of students live—a verdant setting frequently described as 'beautiful' and 'well-maintained.' The atmosphere balances academic focus with evangelical Christian traditions, including chapel requirements. Students report:

• Strong community bonds through 50+ clubs and intramurals
• Quiet weekends (no Greek life) with off-campus trips to Harrisburg (15 minutes away)
• High satisfaction with campus safety and facilities

One Reddit user summed it up: 'The campus is very nice, and the education is quite good.'

Messiah delivers strong ROI for a regional Christian college:

• 78% 6-year graduation rate (74% in 4 years), outperforming similar institutions
• $38,000 average early-career earnings, on par with program mix
• 85.7% 2-year employment rate for physical therapy graduates

While not a feeder to elite grad schools, Messiah excels at placing graduates in healthcare, education, and social services roles throughout Pennsylvania.

At $58,770 total annual cost, Messiah isn't cheap—but aggressive aid brings net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $30,141 for 66.56% of students. Key details:

• $35,487 average first-year aid package (scholarships, grants, work-study)
• Merit awards guaranteed for all admitted students
• Graduate students can borrow up to $10,250/semester in federal loans

The school meets 82% of demonstrated need on average, though some families still face gaps.

Messiah carves a unique niche by combining: 1. Unusually strong graduation rates for a non-selective Christian college 2. Career-aligned programs (PT, engineering) rare in faith-based institutions 3. A 'Goldilocks' campus culture—communal but not cloistered, rigorous but not cutthroat It's the rare school where students can dissect Kierkegaard in morning chapel and intern at Penn State Health by afternoon—all while paying 40% below sticker price.