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Messiah University and Elizabethtown College are both private nonprofit institutions — Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA and Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Mechanicsburg, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 79.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,259
Tuition: $42,240/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 75.0%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Mechanicsburg, PA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Elizabethtown, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,868
Tuition: $37,950/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Elizabethtown, PA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
| Factor | Messiah University | Elizabethtown College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 79.0% | 77.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1110–1350 |
| 1105–1310 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 26–31 | 26–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,259 | 1,868 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,240/year | $37,950/year |
| Average net price after aid | $26,502 | $26,598 |
| Graduation rate | 75.0% | 76.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $54,064 | $62,399 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Mechanicsburg, PA | Elizabethtown, PA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education | Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (79.0% vs 77.9%). Messiah University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($26,502 vs $26,598). Elizabethtown College reports the higher graduation rate (76.2% vs 75.0%). Messiah University is the larger undergraduate campus (2,259 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Messiah University and Elizabethtown College
Messiah University has an acceptance rate of 79.0%; Elizabethtown College is around 77.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Messiah University tuition is $42,240/year. Elizabethtown College is $37,950/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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