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Messiah University

One University Avenue Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055, United States, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA

Messiah University award
Messiah University award
US ranking
position: 643
Tuition & fees per year: $43,580
Acceptance rate: 78.00%
Median alumni salary: $45,768
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1220 SAT, 27 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Messiah University offer in terms of athletics?

Messiah University competes at the NCAA Division III level and is a member of the MAC Freedom Conference, providing student-athletes opportunities across a diverse range of sports. The university sponsors varsity teams in men's and women's basketball, soccer, cross country, swimming, and track and field, as well as baseball for men and volleyball and field hockey for women. These programs emphasize both competitive excellence and personal development within a supportive environment.

The athletic facilities at Messiah include modern stadiums, arenas, and fitness centers that support training and competition. Student-athletes benefit from access to comprehensive resources aimed at fostering their academic success alongside athletic participation. Additionally, the university promotes a balance between rigorous academics and athletics, ensuring students can thrive in both areas.

What student groups and Associations are available at Messiah University?

Messiah University offers a range of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and foster community engagement. Among the active groups are the Outreach Teams affiliated with the Agape Center, which focus on service and outreach initiatives. Students can also participate in Small Groups through Student Ministries, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship.

The Student Activities Board organizes events and activities that enhance campus life, while the Student Government Association represents the student body and advocates on their behalf. Additionally, the Multicultural Council supports diversity and cultural awareness across the university community.

The university's total student enrollment includes 941 men and 1,274 women, though specific participation rates in these groups are not provided.

Who studies at Messiah University?

Messiah University hosts a moderately sized student body with a total enrollment of around 665 freshmen and transfer students combined, placing it in the lower 40th percentile for such figures. The undergraduate population notably includes significant numbers of traditional college-age students, with over 2,300 individuals between 18 and 21 years old. Graduate students, while smaller in number, span a broader age range, highlighting the presence of older students, particularly those between 25 and 49 years of age.

The university's student demographic composition reflects a predominantly domestic make-up, with U. S.-based students constituting nearly all of the enrollment and ranking in the top 30% nationally for such representation. Out-of-state students are relatively well represented as well, falling within the top 40%, whereas international student presence is more limited, being in the lower 35th percentile.

In terms of ethnic diversity, Messiah University features a mix that generally clusters around average levels when compared with other institutions. The largest group is White students, placing in the bottom 45% nationally, followed by Hispanic and African American populations, each within the bottom 40% and 35%, respectively. Smaller groups include Asian students as well as those identifying with two or more races or unknown ethnicities, all roughly around average representation.

How does student life look like at Messiah University?

Student life at Messiah University offers a variety of opportunities for involvement and personal growth on its expansive 485-acre campus. The university supports a vibrant arts community, including a campus drama program, a chorus, a radio station, and a campus television station, providing multiple avenues for creative expression and student engagement. Additionally, Messiah University publishes a campus newspaper, which keeps students informed and involved in campus affairs.

Health and wellness resources are available to students, with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling services, ensuring support for physical and mental well-being. However, certain services such as legal assistance and dedicated veterans' affairs support are not offered, which may be a consideration for some students.

The university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 12: 1, which can contribute to a more personalized educational experience. While many students pursue full-time degrees, the overall enrollment reflects a moderately sized student body, which may influence the campus atmosphere and community dynamics.

What libraries are available to students at Messiah University?

Messiah University offers access to a single main library, the Murray Library. Although the university's library resources are considered average compared to other institutions, many of its metrics fall within the lower half of national percentiles.

The university maintains one library, which places it in the bottom 40% of schools by number of libraries. The collection comprises approximately 236,234 physical books, ranking near the bottom 45%, and 19 subscriptions to periodicals and academic journals, which is also below average.

Digital resources include about 99,380 digital subscriptions and 620,428 ebooks, both reflecting a median level of availability and ranking around the 47th percentile nationwide. Additionally, Messiah University offers access to 143 databases, placing it near the bottom 50% in this category as well.

Students can benefit from study rooms and physical facilities provided by the library, although the library does not offer all-day access. The library staff is trained and committed to assisting students, and set operating hours are established. Digital access is available, and there is access to shared collections beyond the university's primary holdings.

Messiah University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

3373

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

564

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

179 full time, 197 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Messiah University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Murray Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Messiah University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Messiah University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Messiah University Location & Map

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