Messiah University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Messiah is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Mechanicsburg, PA and Penn State Altoona is a four-year, public school located in Altoona, PA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Messiah University | vs. | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania | Location | Altoona, Pennsylvania |
| Four-year, Private (not-for-profit) | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Bachelor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | |
| $42,240 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958 |
| 90% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 73% |
| $24,893 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $10,865 |
| 78.97 % | Acceptance Rates | 98.06 % |
| 29.06 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 10.26 % |
| 1,230 | SAT Score | 1,180 |
| 27 | ACT Score | 26 |
| 75 % | Graduation Rate | 17 % |
| 19 % | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| 89 % | Retention Rate | 80 % |
| 3,373 | Student Population | 2,371 |
| 175 | Number of Faculties | 177 |
| 12 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 13 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services |