About Messiah University
Founded on a common Christian conviction, Messiah is a multi-faith institution rooted in the transformation of students to follow the likeness of Jesus. Established over a century ago in Pennsylvania as a missionary training center, the school soon became a Bible school of higher education. At the mid-century point, Messiah became a recognized college. Now, the institution has grown and evolved into Messiah University, holding true to its founding, but providing more student opportunities than ever.
Messiah University offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and applied sciences. Most of the school’s graduate programs are offered online, with a broad range of master’s programs, doctorate options, and graduate certificates.
Across all disciplines, you’ll find faculty that not only teach, but serve as mentors and advisors, as you grow your knowledge and Christian faith. You’ll enhance your career and understanding of service.
At Messiah University, there is a sense of renewal in transformation by bringing together seemingly disparate students and ideas, perhaps best illustrated by these integrations:
- Humility-Aspiration
- Wisdom-Expertise
- Worship-Service
- Harmony-Difference
- Faith-Intellect
- Discipline-Imagination
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Accreditation & Licensing
Messiah University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
InterdenominationalGraduate Enrollment:
964Fully Online Graduate Students:
34%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$25,621Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
90%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$24,893Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesMessiah University runs at a quick academic pace. Classes move fast, and terms can feel compressed when work and family demands stack up. Time to completion depends heavily on steady weekly study time, because it is easy to fall behind once deadlines start bunching together.
Cost pressure is part of the picture for many learners. Student workers are paid minimum wage, and that can make tuition and bills hard to cover. Meal-plan pricing also pushes some students to buy food off campus instead. Even with that strain, the school is often viewed as worth the investment for its academic experience and community.
At Messiah, professors are known for being caring and easy to reach. Students often mention quick help, clear answers, and real care for their progress.
Classes can move quickly and feel challenging, especially in science. Strong follow-through from professors helps students keep up and do better over time.
Advising and daily support feel personal and steady. The school culture is built on connection, guidance, and regular encouragement.
Online classes at Messiah move fast. The pace stays active each week. Discussion work is central in many classes. The structure is not loose or self-paced.
Falling behind can happen quickly. This format fits a steady schedule best. Regular study blocks matter every week. Instructor follow-through is usually strong, but not always even.
One mandatory Zoom was scheduled, then the instructor did not show. Some adjunct instructors were also unresponsive.
Classes at Messiah are discussion-based and academically demanding. Professors push students to engage ideas, not just memorize content. Nightly homework and reading are common in harder stretches. The pace is quick, and classes can fly by.
Students who lose study rhythm can fall behind fast. Teaching is personal as well as rigorous. Professors are known for direct feedback and growth-focused instruction. Small-class interaction helps students feel known in the room.
Science courses are described as very rigorous but well formatted. Faith is woven into classroom life, so Christian framing is a central part of the learning experience.
Messiah University offers an active, faith-centered learning experience. Professors are easy to reach and truly care about students. Classes rely on discussion, and participation is expected. Students are challenged to do real work and stay involved.
The pace is quick, and coursework can stack up fast. Good routines help students stay on track. Science courses are especially demanding, but they are well organized. Support is strong across the school, though communication can vary in some nursing situations.
Cost can be a strain for some students. Meal plans and low campus wages are common notes. Even with that pressure, many students feel the school is worth the cost. For students seeking Christian purpose, close faculty support, and strong academics, Messiah is a solid fit.
Messiah University offers an active, faith-centered learning experience. Professors are easy to reach and truly care about students. Classes rely on discussion, and participation is expected. Students are challenged to do real work and stay involved.
The pace is quick, and coursework can stack up fast. Good routines help students stay on track. Science courses are especially demanding, but they are well organized. Support is strong across the school, though communication can vary in some nursing situations.
Cost can be a strain for some students. Meal plans and low campus wages are common notes. Even with that pressure, many students feel the school is worth the cost. For students seeking Christian purpose, close faculty support, and strong academics, Messiah is a solid fit.
Online Programs offered by Messiah University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Messiah University
Is Messiah University accredited?
Yes. Messiah University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Messiah University offer?
Messiah University offers 46 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Messiah University offer?
Messiah University offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.
How should students contact admissions at Messiah University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Messiah University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Messiah University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Messiah University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Messiah University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Messiah University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is Messiah University military friendly?
Messiah University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Messiah University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Messiah University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Messiah University accept life experience credit?
Messiah University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Messiah University programs fully online or mixed?
Messiah University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Messiah University offer?
Messiah University has online program options in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Messiah University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Messiah University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Messiah University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Messiah University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Messiah University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Messiah University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Messiah University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Messiah University is featured in 17 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Messiah University is located in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Top Majors in Pennsylvania:
Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:
- PA State Grant Program: Up to $4,525 annually
Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE