MVNU vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, OH with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Messiah University is larger than MVNU based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,671 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mount Vernon Nazarene University is located in Mount Vernon, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mount Vernon Nazarene University 13:1; Messiah University 12:1.

MVNU vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MVNU 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 Mount Vernon Nazarene University than Messiah University ($22,961 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University are 20.6% lower than at Messiah University ($10,394 vs. $13,098).
• Messiah University is 13.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MVNU (about $5,082 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $37,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.7% higher at Messiah University than at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (about $5,082 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $37,158.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mount Vernon Nazarene University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Vernon Nazarene University students is 1.2% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($26,886 vs. $26,576).

MVNU vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MVNU 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 MVNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 50 points higher than at MVNU (1180).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at MVNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mount Vernon Nazarene University 1046/1315; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mount Vernon Nazarene University 18/25; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MVNU - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at MVNU (3.55).
• MVNU has a higher acceptance rate (84.1%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.3% at MVNU vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

MVNU vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MVNU 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Mount Vernon Nazarene University's (57%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than MVNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $547 lower median loan debt than MVNU graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,536).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MVNU graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MVNU students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 65%)

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.