Drake vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Drake vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Messiah University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Messiah University than Drake ($29,408 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 4.9% lower than at Messiah University ($12,452 vs. $13,098).
• Drake University is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $9,890 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.4% higher at Drake than at Messiah University (about $9,890 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 33.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($35,498 vs. $26,576).

Drake vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or Messiah University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Messiah University and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is the same as at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Drake vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Messiah University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $11 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Messiah University and Drake graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drake students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.